Your new company

A well-established environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their expanding team. This is a senior-level opportunity to lead impactful ecological work across a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, residential, and infrastructure projects.

Your new role

• Lead and manage complex ecological projects, including Town and Country Planning Act developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
• Produce and review technical reports such as Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Environmental Statement (ES) chapters.
• Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and interpret the Biodiversity Metric to create pragmatic solutions.
• Design and implement mitigation strategies for protected species (e.g., bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, water vole).
• Provide mentorship and line management to junior ecologists.
• Engage with statutory bodies, planning authorities, and stakeholders.
• Manage project budgets, proposals, and client communications.

What you'll need to succeed

• Strong understanding of UK planning policy and environmental legislation.
• Proficient in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments (FISC Level 4 desirable).
• Skilled in ecological survey design, delivery, and interpretation.
• Experience with protected species licencing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
• Degree in Ecology or related field (Bachelor’s or Master’s).
• Membership of CIEEM.
• Holder of at least one protected species licence (GCN or bats preferred).

What you'll get in return

• Annual salary of £40,000 - £50,000 (DOE)
• Excellent training / development opportunities
• Flexible / Hybrid working schemes

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.