Principal Ecologist
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
Ocean to Earth Recruitment is seeking a Principal Ecologist on behalf of our client, a dynamic and growing environmental consultancy, for their Wakefield office. This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated and positive-minded professional to join a friendly and supportive team, working on a diverse range of projects while shaping both the future of the business and your career.
The Role
As a Principal Ecologist, you will lead a team of ecologists, managing contracts and projects of varying scales. Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing individual contracts, supporting staff, and overseeing project delivery.
- Drafting high-quality reports and reviewing technical work.
- Advising clients and design teams on ecologically smart and commercially efficient solutions.
- Contributing to business growth by preparing bids, securing new contracts, and identifying diversification opportunities.
This role offers exposure to a wide variety of exciting projects, making it an excellent opportunity to develop skills across all aspects of consultancy work.
About Our Client
Our client is a leading independent consultancy specializing in environment, planning, and sustainability. They are B Corp certified, demonstrating their commitment to environmental and social responsibility while working on complex, globally relevant projects. With a team of industry experts, they provide high-quality services that help clients make informed decisions with positive outcomes.
What You Need to Succeed
To be considered for this role, you should have:
- A relevant degree qualification.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in ecological consultancy or a related field.
- Excellent knowledge of UK and European environmental legislation.
- Strong fieldwork and report writing skills, including protected species surveys, EPSM applications, ES chapters, and ecological management plans.
- Experience managing projects and staff, with the ability to mentor junior colleagues.
- Expertise in surveying and mitigating for at least two of the following species: bats, badgers, breeding birds, dormouse, great crested newts, reptiles, and water voles.
- Holding an EPS and/or conservation licence (preferably with registered consultant status) for at least one of the above species is highly desirable.
- Full CIEEM membership (preferably CEcoL).
- A full UK driving licence.
Additional consideration will be given to candidates with:
- Experience in high-level reptile mitigation.
- A botany specialism, particularly those certified at FISC Level 4 or above.
What’s in it for You?
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Flexible hybrid working options.
- 26 days annual leave (+ bank holidays) plus an additional day for each year of service (up to 29 days).
- TOIL policy to support work-life balance.
- Enhanced maternity pay.
- Westfield Health care benefits.
- Career development opportunities.
- Auto-enrolment pension scheme (after 3 months).
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Social events, games nights, and volunteering days.
- A supportive, friendly, and forward-thinking work environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Senior/ Principal Ecologist to take the next step in their career, working with a business that values its people and their professional growth.
Interested?
If you are ready for your next challenge, apply today!