If you are interested in becoming part of a forward-thinking heritage-orientated company, please see current vacancies below. Find out more and/or apply with a CV to Head of HR Sophie Robertson careers@hcukgroup.co.uk   

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HCUK Group is an equal opportunities employer.

 

Senior Ecologist (Bat Specialist)

Full Time (flexibility considered)

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HCUK Group recruiting a Senior Ecologist with a Class 1 or 2 Bat Licence to work under our Ecology Manager within a well-established multi-disciplinary environmental practice.  This role would require a mix of project management and fieldwork, to service clients that are navigating the planning and development process. The role would suit someone with experience of:

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• undertaking field work (e.g. UK Habitat Classification and protected species scoping surveys, bat preliminary roost assessments); 

• producing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals / Ecological Impact Assessment reports;

• undertaking BNG assessments;

• managing project delivery via subcontractors (beneficial).

 

We offer a varied and interesting portfolio of projects where there is potential crossover with our heritage work in relation to historic buildings. Furthermore, opportunities arise through our landscape, planning and archaeology teams, working across a range of sectors such as mixed-use, residential and commercial developments and renewables.  You will be working within a well-regarded consultancy, with an opportunity to grow your own client-base and develop your career within a supportive, friendly environment.  

 

The role is fully home working, with the exception of site visits/meetings.  Projects can be nationwide, although the majority of our work is in London, the home counties and the southern and midlands regions.  Quarterly company meetings and social events are typically held in London.     

 

 The Role:

• Fieldwork: conduct and oversee field surveys, including protected species surveys, specialising in bat surveys.  Bat survey experience is a fundamental aspect of this role.

• To produce and oversee the writing of concise, high quality, technical reports in line with CIEEM guidelines, to include PEA, EcIA, mitigation strategies and BNG Assessments.

• Ensure projects delivered through HCUK are compliant with the relevant legislation, planning policies and environmental legislation.

• To grow our framework of ecology subcontractors and continue to build and maintain these relationships to deliver a range of projects.  

• Client liaison to provide good quality advice on ecological issues and build and maintain relationships with clients. 

• Tendering, business development and involvement in marketing.

 

Essential Requirements:

• Level 1 Licensed bat ecologist (Level 2 preferred).  

• Named as Accredited Agent or Ecologist on bat EPS licences.

• Track record of focus on bats through survey, data analysis, licence applications, providing mitigation, and supervision.

• Qualified with a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline and full membership of CIEEM. 

• Good level of proficiency in ecological surveying techniques, data analysis, and report writing, with a focus on PEA, bat surveys and BNG Assessments.  

• A solid understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning regulations and environmental best practice.

• Attention to detail and committed to delivering a high quality of work.

• A full driver’s licence. 

• Eligibility to work in the UK – the job is UK based.

• At least 3 years’ experience working in commercial consultancy.

 

Desirable skills and experience:

• To have a good network of contacts of other ecology consultants in your region to support management and delivery of ecology projects.

• Specialism in botany.

• A master’s degree or PhD is advantageous but not essential.    

• Some GIS capability would be useful (although support will be provided).

 

Who You Are:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to build good relationships with colleagues and foster collaboration.   

• A highly organised individual with a proactive approach and ability manage varied workload demands. 

• Able to work effectively both on your own and as part of a team.

• Ability to manage workload and oversee subcontractors to meet tight deadlines.

 

What’s on offer?

• A great opportunity to join a new evolving area of the business, within a friendly supporting team.

• An interesting role within an established, collaborative environmental practice and opportunity curate and drive the direction of the ecology offering.

• Competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience.

• Home working, with meeting attendance as required.

• Travel expenses paid. 

• Private healthcare (post 3 month probation).

• 5% pension contribution (post 3 month probation).

 

HCUK Group is an equal opportunities employer.

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Senior/Associate Director - Heritage​

Full Time Position  - Competitive Salary

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HCUK Group seeks Heritage Consultants at Senior or Associate Director level.

 

Your responsibility will be to manage a full caseload; use your experience to advise our client base through the planning process; to bring new contacts and encourage new work-streams, as well as work for existing company contacts; and to embrace the company-wide culture at HCUK Group.

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The Heritage team at HCUK Group is a highly skilled, experienced group of consultants at the top of their professional game. Comprised of a group of Directors and Associates, with decades of experience managing change in the historic environment. Each manages varied caseloads with autonomy, in a fast-paced commercial environment, while benefitting from being part of an established team structure. This setup offers support; informed discourse with experienced peers; the ability to share triumphs and frustrations; and, continued professional growth.

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The Heritage team sits within a multi-disciplinary environmental practice. This practice evolved from built heritage consultants and is very much heritage led to this day. In addition to close working with immediate colleagues, you will relish the opportunity to work, where possible, with the company’s archaeologists, planners, landscape consultants, arb specialists, ecology, and visualisations team.

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HCUK Group does not operate from a central office and follows a home working model. The obvious exception is the requirement to attend meetings and site visits – HCUK Group work nationally though in this role we are particularly looking for someone to assist with our caseload in London and the Southeast. We embrace virtual technology and candidates will enjoy the convenience of home-working whilst being part of a joined-up and communicative team with full infrastructure.  If this appeals to you – we should like to hear from you. 

 

The Role:

• Client facing and/or working with wider project teams

• Providing advice at feasibility, pre-app, application or appeal stage

• Preparation of Advice Notes, Heritage Impact Statements, ES chapters, Appeal Statements and more

• Expert witness

• Furthering HCUK Group’s client base

Essential Requirements:

• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant employment - private and/or public sector

• A track record of working in a fast-paced environment  

• Reliable knowledge of the planning and appeals system, of policy and legislation 

• Experience assessing the significance of (and effect of change on) a wide range of designated and non-designated heritage assets 

• A sound knowledge of architectural history

• Experience of EIA assessment

• UK driver’s licence

• Experience as an expert witness at Public Inquiries desirable but not essential

 

Who You Are:

• A full member of the IHBC (preferable or willing to work towards this)

• An established Heritage Consultant, already at Senior or Associate Director level or clearly performing at that pace

• Confident and motivated to work under their own steam, yet also a team-player  

• Someone who enjoys communicating and continuing professional growth alongside experienced colleagues

• Able to manage own workload and deadlines

 

What’s On Offer:

• A varied role in an established and reputable environmental consultancy

• Competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience

• Full time home working, with meeting attendance

• Travel expenses paid

• Private healthcare (post-probation)

• 5% pension contribution

 

 

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