Principal Ecologist

The Opportunity

If you're an experienced Senior ecologist who enjoys leading projects, mentoring others and influencing decisions that shape development outcomes, this could be the next step in your career.

We're working with a growing multidisciplinary environmental consultancy looking to appoint a Principal Ecologist to play a key role in the continued growth of its northern ecology team. This is an opportunity to combine technical excellence with leadership, helping to deliver complex and meaningful projects across the energy, infrastructure and development sectors while contributing to the future direction of an expanding ecology business.

Whether you're already operating at Principal level or are a Senior Ecologist ready to take on greater responsibility, this role offers the chance to work on nationally significant projects, develop client relationships and help shape a collaborative, ambitious team.

The Company

Our client is an established, environment-led consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering integrated planning, environmental and design solutions across the UK.

Bringing together specialists in ecology, planning, landscape, architecture, environmental assessment, engineering and heritage, they offer genuinely multidisciplinary project delivery and the opportunity to work alongside experts from a wide range of technical disciplines.

The business has experienced significant growth in recent years and continues to build an impressive portfolio of renewable energy, infrastructure and development projects. Despite its growth, it has retained an entrepreneurial and supportive culture where people are trusted to take ownership, develop their careers and contribute to the wider success of the business.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll take a leading role in the delivery and management of ecological projects while supporting the growth and development of the wider team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity Net Gain projects from inception through to delivery.

• Providing technical leadership and quality assurance across ecological assessments and reports.

• Managing project programmes, budgets and resources.

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and project stakeholders.

• Supporting, mentoring and developing ecologists across the team.

• Working closely with planning, landscape and environmental colleagues to deliver integrated project solutions.

• Contributing to business development activities, bids and tenders.

• Supporting the continued growth and development of the northern ecology team.

• Representing the business at industry events and within professional networks.

About You

You'll have a strong background in ecological consultancy and enjoy balancing technical delivery with project leadership and client engagement.

You'll likely bring:

• Significant experience delivering ecological consultancy projects.

• Strong technical expertise in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

• A thorough understanding of UK ecological legislation, planning policy and best practice guidance.

• Experience managing projects, programmes and budgets.

• Excellent report writing, technical review and communication skills.

• Membership of CIEEM or an equivalent professional body.

• A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for supporting the development of others.

Additional experience with protected species licensing, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) or multidisciplinary consultancy environments would be particularly valuable.

What's on Offer

This is an opportunity to join a business investing heavily in its ecology team and offering genuine opportunities for progression and leadership.

Benefits include:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement.

• Private medical insurance.

• Enhanced pension contributions.

• Protected CPD and structured career development.

• Professional membership support.

• Defined promotion windows each year.

• Employee bonus scheme.

• Loyalty leave scheme.

• Gym membership discounts and lifestyle benefits.

• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.

• Cycle to Work scheme.

You'll also have the opportunity to work on nationally significant renewable energy, infrastructure and residential projects that are helping to shape a more sustainable future.

Location & Flexibility

The role can be based from Edinburgh, York, Leeds, Manchester or Birmingham, with hybrid working arrangements available.

Travel to project sites and other offices will form part of the role, and both full-time and part-time applications are welcomed.

Interested?

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is proud to be supporting our client with this appointment.

If you're curious to learn more, we'd be happy to have a confidential conversation about the opportunity, the team and what you're looking for in your next move.

Please apply below or send your CV to vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk or get in touch for an informal discussion on 07341 020135.

Ocean to Earth Recruitment Ltd
01458 898202 | 07341 020135
vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk