Scotland Marine Ecologists and EIA Consultants Aberdeen, Scotland
Job description
The Marine Consents and Environment team at RPS is expanding and we have opportunities at all levels of experience for talented and passionate Marine Ecologists and EIA specialists.
We are particularly focusing on expanding our team in Scotland - any location within Scotland is suitable as Remote working can be considered.
If you hold a Post-graduate qualification in a marine ecology or marine environmental discipline and already have some professional experience at Consultant, Senior Consultant or Principal Consultant level then we are interested in talking to you.
Whether you join as a technical specialist or come in through the project management EIA route, we have a range of positions and projects to suit your interests.
RPS has an ambitious plan to expand our support to the global renewables sector and offshore renewable energy is a key focus area to realise this ambition. RPS has been there since the beginning, supporting our clients through the consenting process and undertaking environmental assessments of these major energy infrastructure projects. With the new leasing rounds to be consented across the early 2020’s, there is plenty of work to be done.
We have office bases in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and can consider remote working anywhere in Scotland. We are also open to full time or part time working arrangements. We understand the need to work flexibly and we’re happy to talk about flexible working. This is a workplace that works for you.
What you’ll be doing
Depending on your skills and expertise your role will involve supporting the delivery of large-scale marine and coastal infrastructure projects across UK and Ireland, in the following areas:
- Managing and/or providing technical inputs (e.g. marine ecology) to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) assessments and Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments.
- Providing consenting and planning advice to clients, and for marine ecology specialists, with a specific focus on marine ecological receptors.
- Stakeholder consultation throughout the EIA process, including input to the Evidence Plan process and presentation of technical information to regulatory bodies, statutory nature conservation bodies, non-governmental organisations and a wide range of other stakeholders.
- Working as part of a growing multi-disciplinary team of marine consents project managers and technical specialists.
- Designing, consenting and management of marine ecology surveys.
- Leading and contributing to marine ecology technical reports and chapters for Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs).
This role will deliver projects in the UK and Ireland. As we continue to expand into new markets, our team will also support offshore permitting in the US, Australia and across Asia.
Who we’re looking for
You will hold a post-graduate qualification in a relevant marine ecology or marine environmental discipline and ideally have Membership or chartered status of a relevant professional institute. In addition, depending on your skills and your role within the team your experience may include:
- Working knowledge and experience of EIA (and/or EcIA) for coastal and marine developments, particularly marine renewables.
- Working knowledge and experience of HRA.
- Knowledge of relevant marine environmental legislation and policies of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and/or Republic of Ireland, including the Marine and Coastal Access Act, Marine (Scotland) Act, the Habitats Regulations, WFD etc.
- Expertise in one or more of the following marine ecology topics: benthic subtidal and intertidal ecology, fish and shellfish ecology or marine mammal ecology.
- Experience of working as part of a team, including liaising with other technical specialists, e.g. marine processes, underwater noise.
- Knowledge and practical expertise of marine ecological survey design and execution, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
- Ability to communicate technical information to a range of audiences, through high quality written work and oral presentations.
- Experience of working with environmental stakeholders, including regulators and nature conservation bodies.
What’s in it for you?
If you are interested in how we use and manage the marine environment and want to help meet NetZero targets through the development of offshore renewable energy then talk to us about our career opportunities in this area. Decarbonising industry is gaining momentum but is meeting the green agenda of world leaders and NetZero targets feasible? We think so, and we’re ready to help – are you?
We encourage and value different ideas, perspectives, and styles of thinking. We need a mix of experiences and skills to develop the most innovative ideas. We respect one another and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. You’ll be joining a diverse community and a company that puts its people first and prioritises their wellbeing.
We’re proud to be an accredited ILM training provider, internationally recognised and providing robust fully accredited professional training programmes - to master’s degree level professional qualifications in leadership & management and executive coaching & mentoring, we support learning and development for everyone.
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Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Mindful that a truly inclusive organization must make appropriate use of talent on a global basis and without unnecessary barriers, we are committed to embedding diversity and inclusion principles in all People processes in order to be as diverse as the communities and clients we work with, thereby securing, developing, and retaining the best available talent for the company’s future.
Our approach to Diversity and inclusion
Our people live our purpose, deliver our promise, and demonstrate our behaviours every day. Our behaviours define who we are. Developed by our people, they underpin everything that we do. They create the memorable experiences we are known for and make RPS a great place to do great work.
‘Stronger Together’ is one of our five core behaviours and it is inherent in creating an inclusive workplace:
‘We are respectful, acknowledge diversity, and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. We bring out the best in one another, always assuming best intent. People who learn and grow thrive in our business, sharing in our success.’
Recruitment Agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.
