Careers

Ecologist (Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment Specialist)  

Position Title: Senior Ecologist – Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)   
Location: Penrith – Hybrid working options available  
Salary: £37,000-45,000  
Contract: Full-time, Permanent  (may consider Part-time)

About Us 
Manning Elliot Partnership is a leading architectural and design consultancy dedicated to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions across the UK.  We are establishing an Environmental Team to help our growing client list to integrate and develop ecological solutions into developments to fit with current and future legislation.

Role Overview  
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Ecologist to join our dynamic team, To help develop the Environmental Team focusing on assessing sites for biodiversity net gain (BNG). You will play a key role in evaluating and advising on projects to ensure compliance with the Environment Act 2021 and BNG principles. Working across a variety of sectors, including infrastructure, employment and housing, you will provide expertise to deliver high-quality ecological assessments and support sustainable development led project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
-BNG Assessments: Conduct biodiversity baseline assessments, including habitat surveys (e.g., UKHab classification), condition assessments, and calculating biodiversity units using the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric.  
- Planning and Reporting: Produce detailed ecological reports using emerging mapping tools and other software solutions, BNG assessments, and biodiversity management plans to support planning applications and project delivery.  
- Support off site Biodiversity site development on farm with landowners
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with the in-house team of Architects, our clients, planners, and regulators to ensure projects meet BNG requirements, providing clear advice and practical solutions.  
- Project Management: Manage multiple projects, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery in line with client and legislative requirements.  
- GIS Mapping and Analysis: Use GIS software to map habitats, analyse ecological data, and identify opportunities for habitat enhancement and creation.  
- Field Surveys: Conduct habitat and protected species surveys in accordance with relevant legislation and best practices.  
- Compliance and Policy: Stay up to date with UK biodiversity legislation, policy, and best practice guidance, ensuring projects align with the Environment Act 2021 and local authority requirements.  

Essential Skills and Qualifications 

  • FISC Level 4 or equivalent
    Demonstrable experience in ecological assessments,

- Strong understanding of the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric and UKHab habitat classification.  
- Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS, LandApp) for habitat mapping and analysis.  
- Experience conducting Phase 1 or UKHab surveys and habitat condition assessments.  
- Familiarity with the Environment Act 2021 and its implications for BNG.  
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and professional reports.  
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.  
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to survey sites as required.  

Desirable Skills  
- Protected species licences or experience conducting protected species surveys.  
- An understanding of habitat creation and management techniques, and when more specialist technical inputs are required
- Experience engaging with local planning authorities, conservation groups, and stakeholders.  

What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.  
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.  
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements available.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.  
- Commitment to employee wellbeing and sustainability initiatives. 

How to Apply  
If you are passionate about biodiversity and want to make a meaningful impact through your work, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role to Kevin Beaty at [email protected] by 14.00 on 31st March 2025.

Manning Elliot is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

 

Administration and Project Support Officer

We are a long established, creative and ambitious architectural and multi disciplined design practice seeking a highly organised and proactive Administration and Project Support Officer to join our existing team. 

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy keeping things running smoothly, and have an interest in architecture, design and provision of high standards of professional service, this could be the perfect role for you. 

About the Role

This varied and multi-faceted role is key to supporting the efficient running of our chartered practice. You will work closely with our Directors, architects and our clients, ensuring our projects and our business operations are well-organised, professionally delivered and maintain compliance. 

Key responsibilities include: 

  • Providing comprehensive and wide ranging administrative input and support to the team. 
  • Managing project schedules, procurement, documentation, and communications. 
  • Assisting with financial administration, including Purchase and Sales ledger input. 
  • Supporting compliance with our Practice Standards and accreditations. 
  • Liaising with clients, suppliers, and contractors. 
  • Administering and taking responsibility for our creative social media content and output, helping to advertise and promote our work effectively. 

The position offers flexibility in working hours, with the potential for part-time or full-time arrangements, to suit the applicant, but is likely to demand a minimum 28 hrs per week. 

About You

We’re looking for someone with: 

  • Proven experience in an administration or project support role, ideally within architecture, construction, or a creative industry.   
  • Strong work ethic, organisational and communication skills and the ability to accept new tasks with limited supervision. 
  • A basic knowledge of MS Office suite and core financial administration and practices. 
  • Experience or an interest in social media management to promote and enhance our online digital presence. 
  • A proactive, problem-solving mindset and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. 

Salary & Location

  • Salary: £27,690 per year (£14.20 per hour) based on a 37.5-hour week, pro-rata for part-time hours, plus pension contributions. We can be flexible on working hours to suit the right candidate whilst meeting our core operational needs. 
  • Primary place of work: Manning Elliott Partnership, Langlands, Pallet Hill, Penrith.  This is not designated to be a work-from-home position.

What We Offer

  • A collaborative and supportive, exciting team environment. 
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development in an expanding business. 
  • A modern, inspiring rural workspace. 
  • Flexible working hours to suit the right candidate. 

If you believe that you have the skills and experience to keep our practice running efficiently while contributing to our creative output, we would love to hear from you! 

How to Apply

Please email your CV and a brief cover letter to Chris Staniowski [email protected] by 14:00 on Friday 31st March 2025. Do remember to let us know specifically why you consider yourself to be the perfect fit for this role and your preferred working pattern (part-time or full-time).