Principal Consultant – Nature Team (Ecology & Biodiversity)

At Ocean to Earth Recruitment, we’re proud to partner with organisations that are truly making a difference for the planet. We work with forward-thinking consultancies committed to restoring biodiversity, tackling the climate crisis, and shaping a more resilient future.

Our client is an award-winning sustainability consultancy recognised for their leadership across ecology, biodiversity, and the built environment. Through collaboration, innovation, and science-led solutions, they deliver projects that create measurable gains for nature — and they’re now seeking an experienced Principal Consultant to join their Nature Team in Leeds.

🌱 The Opportunity

As a Principal Ecologist, you’ll lead the delivery of complex, high-profile ecology and biodiversity projects — from biodiversity net gain assessments to large-scale EcIAs and EIAs.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an accomplished ecologist with strong technical bat expertise and/or experience managing major development projects to shape strategy, mentor others, and deliver outcomes that go beyond compliance to deliver real gains for nature.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the delivery of complex ecology and biodiversity projects, including major infrastructure or urban development schemes.

• Managing and reviewing technical reports — including PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, and BNG Assessments.

• Designing and overseeing bat surveys and mitigation strategies, and preparing protected species licence documentation.

• Undertaking biodiversity net gain mapping and calculations using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric and QGIS.

• Providing technical leadership and quality assurance across multi-disciplinary project teams.

• Supporting business development, client engagement, and project strategy.

• Mentoring and managing junior team members, fostering professional growth and high standards.

🌍 About You

You’re a technically strong ecologist, confident leading complex biodiversity projects, and passionate about delivering measurable environmental impact. You’ll bring a balance of scientific expertise, project management skills, and strategic insight to every challenge.

Qualifications and experience:

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field (MSc desirable).

• Full CIEEM membership (or working towards chartership).

• Significant experience in consultancy ecology, ideally at Senior or Principal level.

• Proven ability to manage and deliver large-scale EcIAs/EIAs.

• Strong technical bat expertise (survey design, call analysis, mitigation licensing).

• Proficient in QGIS and BNG Metric assessments.

• Experience preparing and reviewing complex ecological reports and assessments.

Key skills and attributes:

• Excellent communication, leadership, and client management skills.

• Strong project management and commercial awareness.

• Passion for biodiversity, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

• Highly organised, proactive, and collaborative.

🌸 Why Join

Our client offers an inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking environment where people thrive. You’ll work alongside experts across multiple sustainability disciplines — in a company that values innovation, flexibility, and real-world impact.

You’ll enjoy:

• Competitive salary package + discretionary bonus.

• 23 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays).

• Enhanced pension contributions.

• Hybrid and flexible working, including remote options.

• Opportunities to work abroad for part of the year.

• Ongoing professional development and chartership support.

• Cycle-to-work scheme and enhanced family policies.

• Two volunteer days annually for conservation or community projects.

• Health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits (24/7 GP access, gym membership, discounts).

• Regular team socials and industry engagement through professional networks.