Principal Ecologist

This consultancy operates across a diverse range of ecological and environmental projects, fostering close collaboration between ecology, landscape, arboriculture, and other technical disciplines. As a Principal Ecologist, you will have the opportunity to influence project strategies, mentor colleagues, and play a pivotal role in the continued growth of the business.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned ecologist to step into a leadership role, driving project success and contributing to the growth of a regional ecology team. You will work on a variety of complex and multidisciplinary projects, providing expert advice and ensuring the highest technical standards.

As a Principal Ecologist, your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading ecological inputs for complex and multidisciplinary projects.
• Managing project delivery, including timelines, budgets, resources, and quality assurance.
• Providing senior-level technical advice on ecology, planning, mitigation, and enhancement strategies.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, planning authorities, and statutory bodies.
• Preparing and reviewing ecological reports, assessments, and technical documents.
• Supporting Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Leading on Biodiversity Net Gain, habitat assessments, and protected species matters.
• Overseeing survey design, licensing work, and mitigation strategies.
• Contributing to bids, proposals, and client development initiatives.
• Mentoring and supporting the professional development of junior ecologists.
• Collaborating with colleagues across other environmental disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.

To excel in this role, you will need:

• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy or a similar professional environment.
• A degree in ecology, biological sciences, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of UK ecology legislation, planning policy, and best practice guidance.
• Proven experience leading ecological work on complex projects.
• Strong client management, budget oversight, and project delivery skills.
• Excellent report writing, reviewing, and quality assurance capabilities.
• Expertise in PEA, EcIA, HRA, and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Proficiency in UK Habitat Classification and protected species surveys.
• Full membership of CIEEM (or progress towards this level).
• Protected species licences (desirable but not essential).
• Experience in bids, tenders, and work-winning activities.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to mentor junior team members.
• A full UK driving licence.

Your typical day as a Principal Ecologist will involve:

• Leading project discussions and providing expert ecological advice to clients.
• Overseeing the delivery of ecological surveys, assessments, and mitigation strategies.
• Reviewing technical reports and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists in their professional growth.
• Identifying new business opportunities and contributing to proposals and bids.
• Engaging with clients, planning authorities, and statutory bodies to build strong professional relationships.

• 4-Day Working Week : Enjoy a better work-life balance with full-time pay for 80% of the working week.
• Career Growth : Play a key role in shaping the future of a growing ecology team.
• Collaborative Environment : Work alongside experts in ecology, landscape, arboriculture, and other disciplines.
• Professional Development : Opportunities to mentor and be mentored, with support for career progression.
• Competitive Package : A comprehensive salary and benefits package tailored to your expertise and experience.

If you are an experienced ecologist looking for a senior role with the opportunity to lead, influence, and grow within a dynamic consultancy, we would love to hear from you.