Senior/ Principal Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with a highly respected environmental consultancy that is continuing to grow its ecology team across the UK. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist to join a collaborative, multidisciplinary business delivering a diverse portfolio of projects for long standing clients across the infrastructure, development, energy and environmental sectors.

Whether you are looking to step into a more senior position or bring an established track record to a consultancy where your expertise will be valued, this role offers the chance to work alongside leading technical specialists while helping to shape the future growth of the ecology team.

The organisation invests heavily in its people, professional development and the latest technology, creating an environment where individuals are supported to progress their careers and deliver high quality, practical solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

The Role

As a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you will play a key role in the delivery and management of ecological projects, providing technical expertise while supporting and mentoring colleagues across the wider team. You will have the opportunity to influence project outcomes, contribute to business growth and build lasting relationships with clients.

Your responsibilities are likely to include:

• Managing and delivering a wide range of ecological projects from inception through to completion.
• Undertaking and overseeing habitat and protected species surveys and assessments.
• Producing and reviewing high quality technical reports, ensuring robust quality assurance standards are met.
• Providing technical guidance and mentoring to junior ecologists, helping to develop skills and knowledge across the team.
• Managing complex projects, budgets and programmes, ensuring work is delivered efficiently and to a high standard.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, identifying opportunities for further work and supporting business development activities.
• Collaborating with specialists across other environmental disciplines to deliver integrated solutions for clients.

About You

You will be an experienced ecologist with a strong understanding of UK habitats, protected species legislation and current best practice guidance. You will enjoy balancing technical delivery with project management responsibilities and be keen to support the development of others.

You will ideally have:

• A degree, and preferably a postgraduate qualification, in Ecology or a related environmental discipline.
• Proven experience delivering ecological surveys, assessments and technical reporting.
• Strong knowledge of UK ecological legislation, policy and industry best practice.
• Experience of report review and quality assurance processes.
• Protected species survey and/or mitigation licences, although these are not essential.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work proactively.
• Strong communication skills and a client focused approach, with an appreciation of the commercial aspects of consultancy.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join an award winning consultancy where people are genuinely encouraged to develop their careers, take on greater responsibility and make a meaningful contribution to projects that positively influence the natural environment.

You will work alongside highly experienced professionals in a supportive and collaborative culture that values technical excellence, innovation and delivering the best outcomes for clients and nature alike.

If you are considering your next move in ecology and would like to find out more, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply or arrange a confidential discussion, please send your CV to lauren@oceantoearth.co.uk.