Principal Ecologist

Lead Projects. Shape Teams. Drive Ecological Excellence.

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing and highly respected ecological consultancy in the search for a Principal Ecologist to join its expanding team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Ecologist ready to take the next step, or an established Principal Ecologist looking for greater variety, influence and the opportunity to help shape the future of a thriving consultancy.

Since its inception, this consultancy has built an outstanding reputation for delivering technically robust, innovative and pragmatic ecological advice to clients across the UK. Their continued growth is driven by a commitment to quality, collaboration and a genuine passion for the natural environment.

As the business continues to expand, they are seeking an ambitious and well-rounded ecologist who is excited by leadership, enjoys mentoring others and wants to play a key role in maintaining the high standards, culture and technical excellence that have underpinned their success.

The Opportunity

As Principal Ecologist, you will lead and oversee a diverse portfolio of ecological projects, provide technical guidance to colleagues and contribute to the continued development of the ecology team.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Lead ecological projects from inception through to delivery.
• Provide technical review and quality assurance of reports and assessments.
• Mentor, support and develop junior ecologists.
• Design and oversee mitigation strategies for protected species and habitats.
• Contribute specialist ecological expertise across a wide range of projects.
• Build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Support business growth and help shape the future direction of the consultancy.

Projects span residential, commercial, infrastructure and environmental sectors, with work concentrated across the Home Counties, South East and Midlands.

Location

Candidates should be within commuting distance of Oxfordshire or Cheltenham, or be willing to relocate. Hybrid working is actively supported, with a flexible approach to balancing office, home and field-based work.

About You

We're keen to hear from ecologists who combine strong technical expertise with a collaborative and forward-thinking approach.

You are likely to have:

• Significant ecological consultancy experience.
• Experience mentoring, managing or supporting junior team members.
• Protected species survey licences or recognised specialist expertise in areas such as bats, botany, newts or invertebrates.
• Strong habitat survey experience, including UKHab, Phase 1 and/or NVC surveys.
• Experience designing and implementing mitigation strategies.
• A proven track record of technical report review and quality assurance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Full membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to obtain membership).
• A full UK driving licence.

Additional experience in EcIA, Biodiversity Net Gain, BREEAM, GIS mapping, business development or European Protected Species licensing would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join?

This consultancy combines the energy and ambition of a growing business with a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing, development and flexibility.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Unlimited annual leave.
• Generous pension contribution.
• Professional memberships paid.
• Apple laptop and iPhone.
• Extensive in-house training.
• Unlimited external training budget.
• Employee bonus scheme.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression and leadership development.

Most importantly, you'll be joining a business where ecological expertise is valued, new ideas are encouraged and talented people are given the opportunity to grow alongside the organisation.

If you're looking for a Principal Ecologist role where you can make a genuine impact, help shape a growing team and continue developing your own career within a supportive and ambitious environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Ocean to Earth Recruitment for a confidential discussion or send us your CV today. lauren@oceantoearth.co.uk