Principal Consulting Ecologist – Birmingham

Salary: £48,000 – £58,000
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Job Type: Permanent
Job Reference: 56844

About the Opportunity

We are working with an established multidisciplinary environmental and engineering consultancy looking to appoint a Principal Consulting Ecologist to join its team in Birmingham.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Ecologist looking to take on a technical and project leadership role, working on a diverse portfolio of projects across the infrastructure, energy, water, transport and development sectors.

The successful candidate will join an experienced ecology team, providing specialist advice throughout the project lifecycle, from feasibility and planning through to construction and long-term habitat management.

The role offers opportunities to lead complex projects, develop client relationships, mentor colleagues and contribute to the continued growth of the ecology team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ecological surveys, assessments and technical delivery across a range of projects.

• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance for PEAs, EcIA, HRA, BNG assessments, Ecological Management Plans and EIA ecology chapters.

• Oversee protected species surveys, mitigation strategies and licensing requirements.

• Ensure projects comply with relevant ecological legislation, planning policy and industry best practice.

• Manage project budgets, programmes, resources and financial performance.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and specialist subcontractors to ensure successful project delivery.

• Build and maintain client relationships, providing technical advice and identifying new opportunities.

• Prepare fee proposals, tenders and framework submissions.

• Mentor and support colleagues while contributing to business development and technical standards.

About You

We are looking for an experienced and commercially aware Ecologist with strong technical expertise and the confidence to lead complex projects.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology or a related discipline.

• Significant ecological consultancy experience, ideally across infrastructure, energy, water or development projects.

• Strong knowledge of EcIA, BNG, Habitats Regulations, protected species legislation and planning processes.

• Proven experience managing projects, budgets and resources.

• Excellent technical report-writing, communication and client management skills.

• Experience mentoring and developing junior colleagues.

• MCIEEM status or eligibility for full CIEEM membership.

• Specialist expertise in areas such as protected species licensing, botanical surveys, BNG or ecological mitigation.

• A full UK driving licence.

Experience with EIA, NSIPs, GIS, public inquiries or professional accreditation such as CEnv, CEcol or CBiol would be advantageous.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £48,000 – £58,000, depending on experience.

• The opportunity to work on varied and high-profile projects across the UK.

• Clear career progression and professional development opportunities.

• A supportive, experienced and collaborative ecology team.

• Opportunities to develop specialist expertise and leadership responsibilities.

• The chance to contribute to the continued growth of an established consultancy.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you're an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist based in Birmingham or the surrounding areas and are considering your next career move, we'd be keen to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Embankment Group or submit your CV, quoting Job Reference 56844.

All enquiries will be treated in confidence.