Principal Consultant - Ecology and Biodiversity

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with an established and growing environmental consultancy looking for an experienced Principal Ecologist to strengthen its ecology and biodiversity team in Bristol.

This is a senior opportunity for an ecologist who wants to combine technical expertise with project leadership, client management and team development.

We are particularly interested in Principal-level ecologists with strong botanical and/or ornithological expertise, alongside broader ecology consultancy experience.

The Role

You will take the lead on a varied portfolio of ecology and biodiversity projects, managing work from initial client brief through to delivery.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing ecology and biodiversity projects from inception to completion
• Managing project programmes, budgets, fees and technical delivery
• Acting as a key contact for clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary project teams
• Providing technical review and QA of ecological reports
• Delivering and overseeing PEAs, EcIAs, BNG assessments and protected species work
• Providing specialist input in botany and/or ornithology
• Undertaking and reviewing UKHab surveys and habitat assessments
• Using QGIS and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric to support BNG projects
• Supporting and mentoring junior and senior ecologists
• Contributing to proposals, tenders and business development
• Helping to develop client relationships and grow the ecology and biodiversity service
• Supporting more complex ecological assessments, including HRA and EcIA projects

About You

We would particularly like to hear from experienced ecological consultants who can demonstrate:

• Strong project management and client management experience
• Experience leading moderate to complex ecology projects
• Strong botanical and/or bird identification and survey skills
• Experience of UKHab, PEA, EcIA and BNG
• Strong technical report writing and reviewing skills
• Experience using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric
• QGIS capability
• Protected species survey and assessment experience
• Confidence mentoring and supporting other ecologists
• Experience managing client relationships and contributing to proposals
• A relevant degree in ecology, biology, environmental science or similar
• Full CIEEM membership, or progress towards full membership or chartership

A protected species licence or experience producing protected species licence documentation would be advantageous.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a role where you can remain technically involved in ecology while taking greater responsibility for projects, clients and people.

You will join a collaborative environmental consultancy with opportunities to influence how projects are delivered, mentor colleagues and contribute to the continued development of the ecology and biodiversity offering.

The package includes a competitive salary, discretionary bonus potential, hybrid working, enhanced pension contributions, training and development, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, enhanced family policies and two volunteering days each year.

Interested?

If you are already operating at Principal level, or you are an experienced Senior Ecologist ready for greater project and client responsibility, we would be very happy to hear from you.

Please send your CV to Vicky at vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk for a confidential conversation.