Principal Ecologist

Are you an experienced ecologist with strong business acumen looking for a new challenge?

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is excited to partner with our client in the search for a self-motivated and positive-minded Principal Ecologist to join their friendly and growing team in one of their regional offices. This role offers the opportunity to lead and manage a team of ecologists, delivering ecologically smart, commercially efficient, and cost-effective solutions across a variety of projects.

Role Overview

In this dynamic position, you will be responsible for managing individual contracts, supporting staff, and providing expert guidance to clients and their design teams. Your work will involve drafting and reviewing high-quality technical reports, ensuring excellence across all deliverables. Additionally, you will play a key role in business development, including costing and tendering for work, increasing invitations to bid, and identifying opportunities for diversification and growth.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a wide variety of interesting projects, gain exposure to diverse clients, and develop consultancy skills while shaping both your career and the future of the business.

About the Company

Our client is a leading independent infrastructure and property consultancy specializing in environment, planning, and sustainability. With a people-focused culture, they are committed to delivering high-quality solutions to clients while fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment.

Key Requirements:

• A relevant degree in Ecology or a related field.

• A minimum of 8 years' relevant work experience.

• Strong knowledge of UK and European environmental legislation.

• Excellent fieldwork and report writing skills, including protected species surveys, EPSM applications, ES chapters, and ecological management plans.

• At least 5 years’ experience in reviewing technical work.

• Competency in surveying and mitigation for at least two of the following protected species: bats, badgers, breeding birds, dormouse, great crested newts, reptiles, and water voles.

• EPS and/or conservation licence for one or more of the above species, preferably with Registered Consultant status.

• Proven project and staff management experience.

• Ability to manage workloads independently while mentoring junior staff.

• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to lead training events and workshops.

• Full CIEEM membership (Chartered status preferred – CEcol).

• A proactive and self-motivated approach to work.

• A full, clean UK driving licence.

We also have a particular interest in ecologists with expertise in high-level reptile mitigation or botany (FISC Level 4 or above preferred).

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• TOIL (Time Off in Lieu) policy and flexible working hours for a healthy work-life balance.

• 26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with service up to 29 days.

• Enhanced maternity pay.

• Career development opportunities across the business.

• Auto-enrolment pension scheme (after 3 months' service).

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Regular social events, games nights, and volunteering days.

• A fun, friendly, and supportive team environment.

• Excellent training and development programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our client is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. They encourage applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to equal employment opportunities.

Interested in joining a forward-thinking team and making a real impact?

Apply now!
For more information or to submit your application, contact us at vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk