Principal Ecologist
Overview
Embankment Group is recruiting on behalf of a growing, independent ecological consultancy seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their Nottingham office. This is an exciting senior-level opportunity for an experienced consultant ready to lead projects, support team development, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the business.
With a robust pipeline of work across residential, commercial, and large-scale infrastructure schemes, the team delivers a diverse range of projects, from Biodiversity Net Gain assessments on housing developments to complex road, rail, and mineral projects.
Responsibilities
As a Principal Ecologist, you will take full ownership of managing projects from the tender stage through to successful delivery. You will provide technical oversight, ensure quality assurance, and act as a key point of contact for clients and stakeholders.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading complex habitat and protected species surveys and mitigation strategies.
- Overseeing the production and sign-off of technical reports.
- Managing project budgets, programmes, and resource allocation.
- Supporting and reviewing Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
- Preparing and reviewing fee proposals and contributing to business development.
- Mentoring and line-managing ecologists across varying grades.
- Acting as a senior technical advisor to clients and planning authorities.
This role offers the autonomy to influence technical standards, improve processes, and contribute to the strategic growth of the business.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be an experienced ecologist with a strong consultancy background and a proven track record of independently delivering projects.
Key qualifications and experience include:
- Significant experience managing ecological projects from start to finish.
- Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
- Possession of one or more protected species licences, ideally with mitigation experience.
- Experience overseeing surveys and coordinating multidisciplinary inputs.
- Excellent report writing and client-facing skills.
- Full or Chartered CIEEM membership, or clear progression towards it.
- A relevant degree in Ecology or a related discipline.
- A full UK driving licence.
Day-to-Day
On a typical day, you will:
- Plan and lead ecological surveys, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and best practices.
- Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and planning authorities to provide expert advice and updates on project progress.
- Review and approve technical reports and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful delivery.
- Mentor and support junior team members, fostering their professional development.
- Contribute to business development by preparing fee proposals and identifying new opportunities.
Benefits
The consultancy offers a supportive and forward-thinking environment where senior staff are entrusted with responsibility and encouraged to influence the company’s direction.
Benefits include:
- 26 days of annual leave, including additional time off over Christmas and birthday leave.
- Paid Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) days to support voluntary work.
- Enhanced parental leave packages and family support benefits.
- Structured overtime and time off in lieu system.
- Annual training budget and access to an internal CPD programme.
- Professional memberships fully covered.
- Laptop, phone, and necessary equipment provided.
- Flexible home and office working arrangements.
- Employer contributory pension scheme.
If you are an experienced ecologist looking for a senior role with the opportunity to lead projects, mentor a talented team, and shape the future of a growing consultancy, we encourage you to apply.
Embankment Group is proud to support this exciting opportunity and looks forward to connecting with qualified candidates.
