Principal Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is delighted to be supporting our client, a long-established and highly respected environmental and infrastructure services contractor, as they expand their ecology team. Operating across rail, forestry, arboriculture, environmental management and civil engineering, our client is one of the UK’s only rail-specialised environmental contractors, delivering ecological services at scale in some of the country’s most unique and challenging habitats.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to lead ecological work across a varied and growing project portfolio, driving high standards of conservation, compliance and innovation.

🌱 The Role

As Principal Ecologist, you will be the technical lead for ecology within the organisation. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert ecological support, training and guidance across the company.
• Developing ecological strategies, management plans and budgets in collaboration with the Environmental Manager.
• Keeping senior leaders informed of changes in wildlife legislation and ensuring relevant policies and procedures are updated.
• Producing high-quality technical ecological reports and reviewing outputs from colleagues.
• Leading ecological surveying and fieldwork logistics across a range of infrastructure and environmental sites. Supervising and training team members undertaking PEAs, EcIAs and HRAs.
• Leading protected species surveys, data analysis, mitigation design, and monitoring programmes.
• Supporting habitat creation and enhancement projects including woodland, hedgerow and meadow restoration.
• Overseeing ecological data management, monitoring and reporting.
• Contributing to the development and maintenance of the Environmental Management System and supporting external audits.
• Mentoring junior and senior ecologists to support professional development.
• Acting as an Ecological Clerk of Works as required, providing ecological risk assessments, toolbox talks, and watching briefs.
• Upholding high standards of health, safety and environmental management across all activities.

🌍 About Our Client – Ecological Expertise

Our client is a multidisciplinary contractor with over 20 years’ experience delivering environmental and infrastructure services across the UK. Their ecological division provides a comprehensive suite of services, including:

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals to assess baseline site conditions.
• Protected species surveys, covering bats, dormice, GCN, reptiles, badgers, birds, otters, invertebrates and more.
• Habitat creation and enhancement, delivering woodland, hedgerow and wildflower meadow schemes.
• GIS and UKHab habitat mapping, enabling detailed assessments, connectivity mapping and supporting Biodiversity Net Gain strategies.
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) services to ensure compliance across construction and infrastructure delivery.

They are also a Practice Member of CIEEM, demonstrating a clear commitment to high professional and ethical standards in ecology.

As a rail-specialised environmental contractor, our client has deep experience working in lineside environments, where biodiversity, safety and operational constraints intersect. This gives their ecology team a unique position in delivering impactful, real-world conservation outcomes.

🌿 Person Specification

Essential:

• Postgraduate degree or diploma in Ecology/Environmental-related discipline.
• Full or eligible membership of CIEEM.
• Significant recent experience at Senior Ecologist level.
• Extensive experience managing ecological projects from concept to completion, including complex protected-species work.
• Strong background in producing high-quality ecological reports.
• Highly competent in UKHab habitat identification and botanical ID (minimum FISC Level 4).
• Detailed knowledge of current wildlife legislation and UK environmental policy.
• Holder of at least two protected-species survey licences (including dormouse; bat/GCN preferred).
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Physically fit and willing to work outdoors in all weather.
• Self-motivated, team-focused and adaptable.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Named ecologist or accredited agent on mitigation licences within the past 3 years.
• Class 2 bat licence (or working towards).
• PTS card or experience working in the rail sector.
• Experience delivering services on large infrastructure projects.
• Experience mentoring or developing junior colleagues.

🌱 Why Join Our Client?

Join a growing environmental team within a respected, multidisciplinary contractor. Play a leading role in shaping biodiversity outcomes on major infrastructure projects. Work within a business committed to ecological excellence and CIEEM best practice. Influence habitat creation and enhancement initiatives at landscape scale. Enjoy a varied and meaningful role with opportunities for leadership and career progression.

📩 Apply Today

To express interest or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact Ocean to Earth Recruitment.

We look forward to supporting you on your next career step.