Technical Expert - Ecology

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day.
For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving, and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility, and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 10,300 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.
 

SYSTRA are looking to expand our Signature Team in the UK, working on high profile infrastructure projects such as Transpennine Route Upgrade and HS2, we are building on our 50 years of success in the UK by growing our team and looking for passionate people to deliver projects across our portfolio.

We are now seeking to strengthen and grow our Environmental team in the UK, by recruiting an experienced Ecologist to lead, develop and manage our team.

The ideal candidate will ideally be able to demonstrate a range of experience within the Civil Engineering/Transportation/Infrastructure sectors.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic Associate Ecologist to further their career in a highly motivated and inspirational environment.

Main Role Functions

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Technical Expert in Ecology to join our growing Nature Positive team delivering projects for a diverse portfolio of UK clients.

The role will suit a committed and ambitious person who can demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills combined with commercial awareness and an ability to play their part in growing a dynamic high-performing team.

As a Technical Expert you will be accountable for the design delivery of allocated Ecology and associated multi-disciplinary design work packages, ensuring:

• Collaborative working practices
• Ensuring design quality and accuracy within the Ecology discipline
• Provide staff mentoring for development and nurturing our ‘right first time’ culture
• Ensuring design approach consistency
• Establishment and implementation of Project Plans for allocated work packages
• Co-ordinate forecasts, cost, and revenue budgets
• Co-ordinate resource allocation between design teams / projects
• Co-ordinate resources to budget and programme with Project Managers (PMO)
• Liaise with the design team, associated disciplines, and external parties to ensure design consent
• Management and documentation of fee, programme, and scope changes
• Delivery of project requirements and outcomes to time, within budget and to Client specifications
• Maintaining strong and positive external business relationships enhancing company reputation

Main Role Duties

Working in collaboration with our designers and contract partners, Technical Experts will be involved in a variety of tasks such as:

• Providing technical leadership and direction to project teams in area of domain expertise and knowledge for a mixed project portfolio
• Focal point for obtaining, cascading, and maintaining an understanding of current technical standards, design codes and industry best practice
• Undertake technical design and checking leadership roles as required on projects throughout full project lifecycle
• Implement effective, value for money, innovative design solutions that meet Client requirements and specifications
• Day to day staff line management including briefings and information cascade
• Mentoring, coaching, and developing staff
• Implementing systems and procedure improvements to maintain cost effective, high quality, safe and environmentally responsible approaches to design, construction, commissioning, and other activities compliant with all relevant legislation
• Develop and maintain resource allocation plans
• Apply project controls and procedures to monitor progress to programme and budget
• Apply relevant Risk Assessment and Mitigation techniques in line with CDM Regulations, project requirements and Systra 3S procedures
• Support Work Winning & Sales teams in bidding and securing new works and clients
• Development and review of ‘design management’ documentation ensuring correct use and application
• Preparation of monthly progress reports and chairing design progress meetings
• Liaise with UK and overseas (offshore delivery) multi-disciplinary design teams
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation and CDM Regulations
• Assist with contract preparation together with project planning and programming
• Effective management and response to project related correspondence
• Support appointment of sub consultants and contractors as required
• Effective management of and response to project related correspondence

Required Skills and Experience:

• Degree in a relevant environmental subject
• Membership of a relevant professional body
• Chartered status or working towards
• Holding relevant licences i.e. GCN and/or bat licence is essential.
• ECI Contract experience on infrastructure projects would be an advantage.
• Standardised habitat survey methodologies (Phase 1, NVC etc.)
• UK protected and invasive species
• Key Environmental/Ecological legislation
• Faunal survey methodologies
• Biodiversity Action Planning
• Habitat creation techniques
• Ecological Management Plans
• Habitat management theory and practice
• UK species identification and taxonomy
• Conservation management and planning
• Environmental condition assessment
• Arboricultural Expertise
• Experience in Biodiversity off setting / No Net Loss

In return, we offer a very competitive salary with a comprehensive and attractive benefits package with opportunities for flexible working and career development.

Why SYSTRA?
Our three core values: Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership are kept at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence, achieving the best results through teamwork, both locally and internationally, and reward innovative thinking through encouraging all colleagues to think as leaders. We offer clear and well supported pathways for career development and qualification attainment, a competitive remuneration package including a bonus and private healthcare, an electric car scheme and a broad suite of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

Flexibility
Because we value who you are as much as what you do, we want you to feel supported at work. We offer hybrid working, balancing the benefits of working from home with time in our modern, well-equipped offices for that crucial in-person contact, team development and collaborative working. We also recognise that life doesn’t always run to the same schedule for everyone, so we have a dedicated flexible working policy to support you in tailoring your work life to reach your full potential, for more details on this, please get in touch.

Diversity & Inclusion
We provide a warm welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people who can enrich our company and offer perspectives which will drive better solutions in a truly inclusive environment. Our employee led working groups and clearly defined strategy help us to keep at the leading edge of important issues and keep us accountable. We want our colleagues to feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and continually seek new ideas and contributions to ensure we continue to grow and develop in this space.

Wellbeing
It’s no surprise that people do their best work when they feel physically and mentally supported. Our SYSTRA Wellness Programme offers a wide range of support; from Wellness champions to free health checks, healthy eating workshops and regular seminars, alongside access to a wide range of external support. We offer two paid days for charity work and an ever-growing social calendar.

Apply and find out more about how SYSTRA can support you in your career journey. If you require any adjustments or financial assistance to support you in your application or interview process please email: reasonableadjustments@systra.com  where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria. 
As we are always looking to expand our team, we would still be interested in hearing from you if you fulfil most, but not all, of the relevant criteria for the role and if you are a returner looking to restart your career after a period outside the workplace – you could be just what we are looking for.