Principal Ecologist

Warrington

Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 per annum
Location: Warrington, Cheshire
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Job Reference: 55868
Closing Date: 13th November 2026

The Opportunity

We are recruiting for an experienced Principal Ecologist to join a well-established environmental consultancy in Warrington.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ecologist looking to take the next step in their career, with the chance to lead varied projects, provide technical expertise and contribute to the development of a highly experienced ecology team.

You will work on a diverse portfolio of projects across infrastructure, renewable energy, utilities, transport and residential development, supporting clients in delivering environmentally responsible and sustainable solutions.

The position offers a combination of technical leadership, project management and client engagement, alongside opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Why Apply?

• Competitive salary: £40,000 – £50,000, depending on experience.

• Project variety: Work across major infrastructure, energy, transport and development schemes.

• Career progression: Opportunities to develop your technical expertise and leadership responsibilities.

• Established ecology team: Collaborate with experienced ecologists and environmental specialists.

• Professional development: Access to technical mentoring, training and support towards further professional accreditation.

• Meaningful work: Contribute to projects that protect biodiversity and deliver positive environmental outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

As a Principal Ecologist, you will take responsibility for the technical and commercial delivery of ecological projects, ensuring work is completed to a high standard, within agreed budgets and timescales.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing ecological projects from initial assessment through to delivery.

• Preparing and reviewing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and ecological chapters for Environmental Statements.

• Producing and reviewing Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs), including complex assessments where required.

• Providing specialist ecological advice to clients and multidisciplinary project teams.

• Coordinating ecological surveys, interpreting findings and recommending appropriate mitigation strategies.

• Managing project budgets, programmes, resources and quality assurance.

• Supporting tenders, fee proposals and business development activities.

• Mentoring and providing technical guidance to junior colleagues.

• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.

• Ensuring ecological work complies with relevant legislation, industry guidance and health and safety requirements.

Skills and Experience

We are interested in hearing from experienced ecologists with a strong consultancy background and the ability to manage projects independently.

Ideally, you will have:

• Significant experience working in ecological consultancy, including project management and technical delivery.

• Strong knowledge of UK ecological legislation, planning policy and environmental assessment procedures.

• Experience preparing and reviewing PEAs, EcIAs, BNG assessments and ecological inputs to Environmental Statements.

• Experience producing project-level or plan-level HRAs.

• Specialist knowledge of one or more protected species or habitat groups.

• Experience coordinating ecological surveys and developing appropriate mitigation strategies.

• Strong commercial awareness, including project budgeting, fee proposals and client management.

• Excellent technical report writing and communication skills.

• Experience supporting, mentoring or managing other ecologists.

• Relevant protected species survey or mitigation licences.

• Full CIEEM membership, ideally with Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status, or working towards accreditation.

• The ability to travel to project sites and client meetings when required.

About the Employer

Our client is an established multidisciplinary consultancy delivering environmental, engineering and development projects across the UK.

Their ecology specialists work alongside professionals in environmental assessment, natural capital, biodiversity, landscape and other technical disciplines, providing opportunities to contribute to complex projects and collaborate with a broad range of specialists.

The business offers a supportive professional environment, with an emphasis on technical excellence, knowledge sharing and long-term career development.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you're an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist considering your next career move, we'd be pleased to have a confidential conversation about the opportunity.

Job Reference: 55868
Closing Date: 13th November 2026

Apply today or contact Embankment Group to discuss the position in confidence.