Principal Ecologist

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £45,000 – £63,000 + £3,600 Car Allowance
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Job Reference: 56810

Embankment Group is recruiting for an experienced Principal Ecologist to join a leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy based in Bournemouth.

This is an excellent opportunity to lead complex ecological projects across renewable energy, residential, commercial and infrastructure developments, including nationally significant infrastructure schemes, offshore wind, onshore wind and solar projects.

The successful candidate will join an established ecology team, benefiting from flexible hybrid working, excellent professional development opportunities and a diverse project portfolio.

The Role

As Principal Ecologist, you will take responsibility for delivering ecological projects, providing technical expertise, managing client relationships and supporting the development of junior colleagues.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing complex ecological projects across multiple sectors.

• Preparing and reviewing Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and Environmental Statement Ecology Chapters.

• Undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and developing practical mitigation solutions.

• Designing and implementing ecological mitigation strategies, including protected species licensing.

• Liaising with Natural England, Local Planning Authorities and other stakeholders.

• Managing project budgets, fee proposals, tenders and client relationships.

• Providing technical guidance, mentoring and training to junior ecologists.

About You

We are keen to hear from experienced Senior or Principal Ecologists with strong technical expertise, project management experience and the confidence to lead ecological projects.

Essential experience and qualifications:

• Degree in Ecology or a related discipline and CIEEM membership.

• Strong knowledge of UK environmental legislation, planning requirements and protected species.

• Experience delivering ecological assessments, technical reports and mitigation strategies.

• Competence in UKHab surveys and habitat condition assessments.

• Strong project management, communication and client-facing skills.

• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites.

Desirable experience:

• Protected species survey licences, particularly bats or great crested newts.

• FISC Level 4 accreditation.

• Experience with BNG, major infrastructure or renewable energy projects.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £45,000 – £63,000, depending on experience.

• £3,600 annual car allowance.

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.

• Opportunity to work on major renewable energy and infrastructure projects.

• Established multidisciplinary ecology team with access to wider technical expertise.

• Professional training, development and career progression.

• Supportive working environment with a strong focus on wellbeing and work-life balance.

Apply Now

If you're an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist looking to take the next step in your career, we'd be pleased to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion or further information, please contact:

Justin Ayling – Embankment Group
Email: justin@embankmentgroup.co.uk
Telephone: 07495 778999

Job Reference: 56810

Know someone suitable? Embankment Group offers a £750 referral reward for successful permanent placements. Visit www.embankmentgroup.co.uk/referrals for further details.