Senior/ Principal Ecologist
An opportunity has become available for an experienced Senior/ Principal Ecologist to join a well-established environmental consultancy working across a diverse range of planning, development, and multidisciplinary projects.
This role offers the opportunity to work alongside a team of experienced environmental professionals, delivering ecological surveys, assessments, mitigation strategies, and planning support. You'll be involved in a varied project portfolio while benefiting from ongoing training, mentoring, and genuine career development opportunities within a collaborative and supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities- Undertake and lead a range of ecological surveys, including protected species and habitat surveys.
- Prepare and deliver ecological assessments and reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
- Design and oversee ecological mitigation strategies, species translocations, management plans, and licensing requirements.
- Manage ecology projects from proposal stage through to completion, including budget and programme management.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, supporting planning, landscape architecture, arboriculture, and other environmental disciplines.
- Liaise with clients, stakeholders, regulators, and project teams to provide technical ecological advice.
- Support business development activities, including preparing fee proposals and identifying new opportunities.
- Maintain up-to date knowledge of ecological legislation, policy, and industry guidance.
- Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology, or a related discipline.
- Full membership of CIEEM.
- At least three years' post membership experience in ecological consultancy or a related environment.
- Strong experience preparing ecological reports, assessments, and mitigation strategies.
- Knowledge of UK habitats, protected species, ecological survey methodologies, and relevant legislation.
- Experience working on large or multidisciplinary development projects.
- Involvement in protected species mitigation licensing and/or possession of protected species survey licences would be advantageous.
- Strong project management, communication, negotiation, and organisational skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
- Full UK driving licence and right to work in the UK.
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Ongoing training, mentoring, and CPD support.
- Professional membership support.
- Career progression opportunities within a growing ecology team.
- Exposure to a broad and varied project portfolio.
- Paid travel and accommodation expenses where required for project work.
- Opportunity to work alongside experienced multidisciplinary professionals.