Principal Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing environmental consultancy in the appointment of a Principal Ecologist. This is a key role within an expanding ecology team, offering the opportunity to lead meaningful projects while shaping the future direction of ecological services within the business.

This hybrid position, based in Northern Ireland, combines technical delivery, team leadership, and strategic input—suited to an experienced ecologist ready to make a broader impact.

The Role

As a Principal Ecologist, you will take a leading role in the delivery of ecological inputs across a diverse range of infrastructure and development projects. You will act as a trusted advisor to clients and regulators, oversee complex project work, and support the growth and development of the wider ecology team.

The scope and influence of the role will naturally evolve depending on your experience and interests—ranging from leading technical delivery and managing projects, through to shaping strategy, driving innovation, and representing the business at an industry level.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Lead ecological inputs into EIAs and major infrastructure projects

• Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary ecological survey programmes

• Act as a primary point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and regulators, including negotiations where required

• Prepare and review EcIAs, NIS, and complex mitigation strategies

• Provide quality assurance across reports and technical outputs

• Mentor, support, and line manage ecologists across the team

• Contribute to tender writing, framework bids, and business development activities

• Monitor project budgets, delivery, and profitability

• Represent ecology at client meetings, steering groups, and stakeholder forums

• Support the development of technical standards, guidance, and innovation initiatives

As you progress in the role, you may also:

• Lead ecological delivery on nationally significant or large-scale projects

• Take ownership of complex licensing and stakeholder negotiations

• Provide expert witness or specialist technical input where required

• Contribute to strategic planning and growth of the ecology function

• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and professional forums

• Support cross-disciplinary collaboration and broader business initiatives

About You

You are an experienced and commercially aware ecologist with a strong technical foundation and the confidence to lead projects and people. You will likely have:

• 8–12 years’ experience within ecological consultancy

• Proven experience delivering complex ecological assessments, particularly within infrastructure or EIA contexts

• Strong understanding of UK and Northern Ireland environmental legislation and policy

• Experience engaging with clients, regulators, and stakeholders

• A track record of mentoring or managing team members

• Excellent communication, report writing, and organisational skills

• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM), ideally chartered or working towards

Why Apply?

• Join a growing consultancy with an exciting project pipeline

• Take on a role with genuine influence and progression opportunities

• Flexible hybrid working model

• Be part of a collaborative, supportive, and technically strong team

• Opportunity to shape both projects and the future direction of the ecology function

Apply Now

To find out more or apply, contact Ocean to Earth Recruitment for a confidential discussion.