Principal Ecologist

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced ecologist to take on a senior leadership role within a collaborative multidisciplinary business, working alongside ecology, landscape architecture and arboricultural specialists on a wide range of impactful projects across the UK.

The company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality environmental consultancy services while maintaining a supportive and progressive working culture. Their approach combines technical excellence with genuine care for people, communities and the environment.

One of the standout benefits of this opportunity is a 4-day working week while receiving full-time pay, offering an excellent balance between meaningful project work and personal wellbeing.

The Opportunity

As Principal Ecologist, you will play a key role in leading ecological projects, supporting team development and helping shape the continued growth of the ecology discipline within the business.

This role offers a balance of technical leadership, project management, mentoring and client development, making it well suited to someone looking to step into a highly influential position within a forward-thinking consultancy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as Project Director on complex ecological projects
• Leading and overseeing ecological project teams
• Managing client relationships and supporting project delivery
• Delivering and reviewing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
• Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments
• Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and strategies
• Protected species surveys, licensing and mitigation strategies
• Reviewing and signing off technical reports and deliverables
• Mentoring and supporting ecologists across different levels
• Supporting business development and helping secure new projects

You will be trusted to lead projects from inception through to completion, while contributing to the strategic growth and success of the wider ecology team.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical ecology knowledge alongside leadership capability and commercial awareness.

They are looking for someone with:

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline
• Full membership of CIEEM, Chartership desirable
• Excellent understanding of UK ecological legislation and planning policy
• Strong habitat survey and protected species survey experience
• Experience leading ecological projects and multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent report writing and quality assurance skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Experience mentoring and developing junior ecologists
• Business development and project-winning experience
• Protected species licences would be beneficial
• Full UK driving licence

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a consultancy that genuinely values collaboration, innovation and professional growth. You will be part of a supportive team delivering meaningful environmental work while benefiting from flexible hybrid working, clear progression opportunities and a healthier work-life balance through a 4-day working week on full pay.

At Ocean to Earth Recruitment, our values are Respect, Integrity and Growth. We partner with environmental and sustainability-led businesses that are committed to creating positive impact while supporting long-term career development.

Salary: £48,450 to £52,040 depending on experience
Location: Exeter, hybrid working with approximately two office or site days per week