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Full Time permanent position, salary negotiable depending upon experience + excellent benefits package

RSS INFRASTRUCTURE Limited (RSSI), has been recognised by Network Rail at the 2018 ‘Rail Partnership Awards’, being awarded SME of the Year, for its work within the Rail and Construction industry, developing bespoke solutions for clients that deliver improved safety and productivity.

From our offices in Birmingham, Cwmbran and Doncaster, RSS Infrastructure has over 250 directly employed staff members and a diverse contingent labour workforce that cover the majority of the UK. The company has developed a service portfolio that includes; Overhead Line Electrification, Vegetation Management, Track Access, Civils/Construction solutions, Safety Critical Resource Services, Magnetic Safety Barrier Fencing, Magnetic Points Boards, Signalling Services as well as being the UK’s sole provider of Track Warning Systems.

We are known for the professionalism, quality and innovation and as part of our continued growth are looking to set up an Ecological Services department to provide a wide range of services to new and existing clients using our services.

What will I be doing?

As the Principal Ecologist, you will be responsible for leading and managing ecological projects from start to finish. You will be expected to use your expertise in ecology to ensure that projects are delivered to the highest standard and within budget and time constraints.

As the Principal Ecologist, you will lead, recruit, and develop the Ecological services that support the Arboriculture team and the wider business to maximise sales and profitability within the area of responsibility through delivering excellent customer service, visual excellence, sound commercial decisions and effective cost control. You will recruit, develop, coach, build and lead a new team chosen by yourself to consistently deliver company expectations and service standards with safety and quality at the heart of everything we do.  

The role of Principal Ecologist will be varied and strike a balance between office-based and site work. You will also have the opportunity to expand your experience by working with our arboriculture technical specialists.

On a day-to-day basis your duties will involve:

Leading and managing ecological surveys, assessments, and impact studies in accordance with relevant UK legislation and industry standards.
Providing expert guidance on ecological considerations during project planning, design, and implementation phases.
Conducting habitat assessments, biodiversity surveys, and protected species studies to inform project development and environmental impact assessment.
Analysing ecological data, preparing technical reports, and presenting findings to internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies.
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure ecological considerations are integrated into overall project strategies.
Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists, providing guidance, training, and fostering their professional development.
Engaging with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to facilitate project approvals and compliance with ecological requirements.
Staying updated with industry trends, best practices, and changes in environmental legislation to ensure the company's ecological expertise remains cutting-edge.
Developing and implementing operational plans for your area of responsibility.
Developing productive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
Ensuring Health & Safety requirements are met in your area of responsibility.
Writing, developing and reviewing business processes for your area of responsibility
Providing leadership in your area of responsibility.
Ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
Leading, planning and implementing change in your area of responsibility.
Working with the Talent team to recruit, select and coach your team in order to retain colleagues of the highest standard
Allocating and monitoring the progress and quality of work in your area of responsibility.
Working with HR to reduce and manage any conflict in your team.
Managing finance for your area of responsibility, including supporting the setting of annual budgets, managing costs and working with commercial team on pricing of new projects.
Overseeing the management of physical resources required by your department to ensure your team has the right equipment maintained to the highest standard.
Taking effective decisions for your team, your clients and the wider business.
Working with others to implement, deliver and maintain high standards customer service in your area of responsibility. 

What experience would we like you to have?

To be invited for interview, your application and experience should demonstrate:

A degree in ecology. 
A relevant Bat License 
A relevant Dormouse License 
Full UK driving license
Proven experience in watching briefs. 
A strong understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and policy.
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) 

RSS Infrastructure offer a range of benefits including:

20 days paid annual leave rising to 25 plus statutory bank holidays
Contributory pension scheme
Life assurance 
Private Medical Cover (after qualifying period)
Health Cash Plan (after qualifying period)
Company Van
Sick Pay
Mobile Phone
Laptop
Fuel CardAbout us

Our mission is to ensure that we make our clients operate more safely and achieve more productivity when on site, whether delivering new projects, track renewal programmes or maintenance of the rail infrastructure. We are not just another infrastructure company, but a trusted company who understands the value of partnerships and long-standing business relationships, continually looking to deliver outstanding performance and customer service, and we remain as one of the market leading rail services groups within the UK.

We believe in the value and contribution of individuals, respecting the diverse make up of our organisation and need people who want to make a difference to our clients and to the growth of the Group. Our teams are committed, supporting each other to meet the demands of an industry sector which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days of the year. Working together to either plan, resource or deliver a range of services in to a highly demanding industry sector, that can be very reactive, challenging your skills to adapt quickly to new situations. A strong work ethic and a ‘Can Do’ attitude is the foundation of our business, we want people who can drive success and have a right first time, every time approach to their work life, without cutting corners and who understand the essence of safety and customer service. We are a people orientated business, nurturing, and investing in our staff and teams to become the best at what they do, creating managers and leaders of the future.

As an equal opportunity’s employer, RSS Infrastructure do not discriminate on grounds of ethnicity, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation.

The company also actively encourages both reservists and veterans of the Armed Forces to apply for positions. For more information on how we support ex-military personnel please visit our website