Principal Ecologist

A Less Corporate Approach to Ecology, With More Flexibility and Room to Grow

Are you an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist who loves the technical side of ecology but would welcome a more relaxed working environment, greater autonomy and a better work-life balance?

What if your next role offered the opportunity to lead interesting ecological projects, support a growing team and enjoy Fridays off?

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with an established and growing environmental consultancy in the South East, seeking a talented Principal Ecologist to join its expanding team.

This is a business that takes a different approach to ecological consultancy. Rather than a heavily corporate environment, you will find a friendly, collaborative team where people are trusted to do their jobs, ideas are welcomed and professional development is genuinely encouraged.

Our client is currently operating a four-day working week on full pay, alongside flexible hybrid working, excellent healthcare benefits and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing.

Whether you are an established Principal Ecologist looking for a fresh challenge or a Senior Ecologist ready to step into a more influential position, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career without compromising your work-life balance.

Why Join This Consultancy?

Finding the right consultancy is about more than the projects you work on. The people, culture and flexibility can make an enormous difference to how much you enjoy your career.

Our client has developed a supportive working environment that combines high technical standards with a practical, people-focused approach.

You will be joining a team that values collaboration over hierarchy, encourages individuals to contribute their ideas and recognises that experienced ecologists should have the freedom to use their professional judgement.

There is also a genuine focus on making ecological consultancy more sustainable for the people delivering the work.

The company has invested in modern ecological survey equipment and technology, including night vision equipment designed to reduce the demands associated with traditional bat survey work.

Alongside this, the business offers excellent professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute to its continued growth.

This could be particularly appealing if you are looking for:

• A smaller, less corporate working environment.

• Greater autonomy and ownership of your projects.

• A four-day working week and improved work-life balance.

• Opportunities to mentor colleagues and influence technical standards.

• A supportive team where your experience and ideas are valued.

• A role that combines technical ecology with project leadership and client engagement.

• Long-term career development without unnecessary management layers.

The Role

As Principal Ecologist, you will take a leading role in the technical delivery of ecological consultancy projects while supporting the development of the wider team.

You will be involved in projects from initial consultation and survey design through to ecological assessment, mitigation and project completion.

The role offers a balance of technical expertise, project management, mentoring and client relationships, with the opportunity to contribute to the future direction of the ecology team.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

Ecological Project Delivery

• Leading and managing ecological projects across a range of development and environmental sectors.

• Designing, coordinating and overseeing habitat and protected species surveys.

• Providing technical advice on ecological constraints, mitigation and enhancement opportunities.

• Ensuring projects are delivered to high technical standards, within agreed budgets and timescales.

• Working collaboratively with other environmental specialists to deliver integrated project solutions.

Technical Reporting and Assessment

• Preparing, reviewing and quality-checking ecological reports and assessments.

• Leading Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs).

• Preparing Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs) and Environmental Statement chapters.

• Providing specialist advice on protected species licensing and mitigation.

• Applying current ecological legislation, planning policy and industry guidance.

• Supporting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and ecological enhancement strategies.

Leadership and Team Development

• Providing technical guidance and mentoring to ecologists at different stages of their careers.

• Supporting the development of junior colleagues through training and knowledge sharing.

• Helping maintain and improve technical standards across the team.

• Encouraging a collaborative approach to project delivery.

• Contributing ideas to improve working practices and technical efficiency.

Client Relationships and Business Development

• Building and maintaining positive relationships with existing and new clients.

• Acting as a key technical contact for ecological projects.

• Liaising with planning authorities, statutory consultees and project stakeholders.

• Preparing fee proposals, tenders and technical submissions.

• Identifying opportunities for additional work and supporting the continued growth of the business.

This is a position where you can make a meaningful contribution to both project outcomes and the people around you.

About You

We are interested in hearing from experienced ecological consultants who enjoy delivering high-quality technical work and are confident taking responsibility for projects and supporting colleagues.

You may already be operating at Principal Ecologist level, or you could be an experienced Senior Ecologist who feels ready to take the next step.

Ideally, You Will Have:

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.

• Approximately 10 years or more of experience within ecological consultancy.

• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (MCIEEM).

• Strong knowledge of UK ecology, wildlife legislation, planning policy and environmental assessment.

• Experience leading ecological projects and managing technical delivery.

• Proven experience preparing and reviewing EcIAs, HRAs and Environmental Statement chapters.

• Experience acting as a Named Ecologist on European Protected Species mitigation licences.

• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and GIS.

• Excellent ecological report-writing and technical review skills.

• Experience mentoring, supporting or supervising other ecologists.

• Confidence communicating with clients, planning authorities and wider project teams.

• Strong organisational and project management abilities.

• A full UK driving licence.

Additional Experience That Would Be Welcomed

• Two or more protected species licences, particularly bat licences.

• Botanical expertise or specialist habitat survey experience.

• Additional protected species specialisms.

• An MSc or PhD in a relevant ecological discipline.

• Experience developing client relationships and contributing to fee proposals.

• A particular interest in improving technical processes, mentoring colleagues or developing ecological services.

We recognise that experienced Ecologists bring different combinations of technical expertise, licences and project experience. If you have a strong consultancy background and are interested in progressing into a Principal role, we would welcome a conversation.

Salary, Benefits and Working Arrangements

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your career development, wellbeing and life outside work.

Four-Day Working Week

The business is currently operating a company-wide four-day working week trial, with employees working Monday to Thursday on full pay and Fridays as a non-working day.

This reflects the company's commitment to exploring working arrangements that support productivity, wellbeing and a healthier work-life balance.

Flexible Hybrid Working

• Office locations in Kent and Sussex.

• Opportunities for candidates based across Kent, Sussex, Surrey and surrounding areas.

• Typically two office days per week.

• Flexibility to work from home and attend project sites as required.

• A collaborative approach to balancing project requirements with individual circumstances.

Salary and Financial Benefits

• Salary from £40,000+, depending on experience and technical expertise.

• Loyalty bonuses of up to £6,000.

• Enhanced company sick pay.

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement.

• Company vehicle option or mileage reimbursement.

Private Healthcare and Wellbeing

Comprehensive private medical insurance through Vitality, including:

• Hospital and consultant cover.

• Mental health support.

• Optical and dental cover.

• Physiotherapy.

• Diagnostic testing and therapies.

Professional Development

• Full CIEEM membership fees paid.

• £750 annual training budget.

• Additional funding available for specialist training and development.

• Support for technical progression and leadership development.

• Opportunities to share knowledge and develop specialist ecological expertise.

• Access to high-quality ecological survey equipment and technology.

A Different Kind of Ecology Consultancy

Ecological consultancy can be demanding, particularly during busy survey seasons. Our client recognises the importance of supporting its people while continuing to deliver excellent technical work.

The company has taken practical steps to improve working conditions, invest in modern technology and create an environment where ecologists can build rewarding, sustainable careers.

You will not be joining a business where success is measured solely by utilisation figures or how many hours you spend at your desk.

Instead, the emphasis is on delivering quality work, building strong client relationships, supporting colleagues and creating a working environment where people can perform at their best.

For an experienced Ecologist who wants to retain their technical involvement while developing their leadership skills, this position offers an attractive balance.

There is also the opportunity to influence how the team develops, share your expertise and contribute to a business that is continuing to grow.

Could This Be Your Next Career Move?

Perhaps you are currently working within a larger consultancy and would prefer a smaller, more personal working environment.

You may be an experienced Senior Ecologist who is ready for Principal-level responsibilities but has not yet had the opportunity to progress.

Or perhaps you are already a Principal Ecologist and would simply like to work somewhere that offers greater flexibility, a more relaxed atmosphere and a better balance between your career and personal life.

Whatever your circumstances, we would be pleased to discuss whether this opportunity could be the right fit.

Apply Through Ocean to Earth Recruitment

At Ocean to Earth Recruitment, we specialise in connecting environmental professionals with consultancies and organisations where their experience, career ambitions and values align.

We understand that choosing your next position involves more than comparing salaries and job titles. The working environment, people, opportunities for progression and flexibility all matter.

If you are an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist based in Kent, Sussex, Surrey or the surrounding areas, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

To apply, please send your CV to:

vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk

Website: www.oceantoearth.co.uk