Principal Ecologist

At Ocean to Earth, we believe recruitment should be grounded in respect, integrity and growth. We are pleased to be partnering with a highly regarded ecology and landscape practice to appoint a Principal Ecologist at an important stage in their development.

This is a well-established consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering thoughtful, landscape-led projects for a valued portfolio of long-standing private sector clients. Their work spans the UK and Ireland, often contributing to projects of regional and national significance, where ecology and landscape play a central role in shaping outcomes.

The opportunity

This position offers a genuine platform to lead, influence and grow. You will take a key role in developing the ecology function, working on complex and meaningful projects set within some of the UK’s most distinctive landscapes.

The practice operates through long-term client partnerships, often embedding itself as an extension of client teams. You will benefit from close collaboration with senior leadership, including hands-on Director involvement across projects, ensuring quality, consistency and a strong sense of shared purpose.

You will also work alongside a specialist conservation detection dog team, contributing to innovative approaches in ecological surveying and project delivery.

What you will be doing

You will bring both technical expertise and leadership capability, helping to shape the direction of ecological services while maintaining a strong focus on delivery.

• Build and strengthen client relationships, supporting continued growth and long-term partnerships
• Lead the coordination and delivery of ecology services across projects in the UK and Ireland
• Provide clear, commercially aware ecological advice, ensuring compliance with legislation and policy
• Prepare and oversee high-quality reports, publications and client briefings
• Contribute to integrated, multidisciplinary project teams, aligning ecology with wider design and environmental objectives
• Identify opportunities to enhance services and remain aligned with evolving best practice
• Support and mentor colleagues, contributing to the development of the wider ecology team

About you

You are likely already operating at a senior level or ready to step into a principal role. You enjoy working on complex projects and are motivated by the opportunity to shape both technical delivery and team growth.

• Degree in ecology or a related discipline
• At least five years’ professional experience in consultancy or similar environment
• One or more protected species licences
• Experience delivering complex, multi-site or large-scale projects
• Postgraduate qualification, desirable but not essential
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel

Personal qualities

• Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal
• Detail-aware, with sound professional judgement
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Collaborative and solution-focused in multidisciplinary settings
• Organised and able to manage multiple priorities effectively

Why consider this role

This is an opportunity to join a practice where ecology is not an add-on, but a central part of how projects are conceived and delivered. You will have the space to contribute meaningfully, develop your career and help shape a growing team, while working on projects that carry genuine environmental value.