Senior / Principal Ecologist

Our client, a leading environmental consultancy, is seeking a highly motivated Senior/Principal Ecologist with 3+ years’ consultancy experience to join their growing team. Working across a diverse range of sectors—including residential, commercial, industrial, education, and infrastructure—you will lead ecological projects from inception to completion, ensuring the highest technical standards and client satisfaction.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong technical expertise and leadership skills to mentor a talented team while contributing to business growth and innovation in ecology consultancy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of complex ecological projects from initial client liaison to project completion.

• Manage and coordinate subconsultants and seasonal field teams as required.

• Conduct field surveys for habitats and protected species.

• Undertake Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) duties.

• Prepare, review, and quality-check technical reports and planning documents.

• Mentor and inspire junior ecologists, fostering professional growth and team development.

• Support business development activities, including client relationship management.

• Ensure high standards of Health & Safety and quality in all project work.

• Deliver projects efficiently, on time, and within budget.

Essential Requirements

• 3–5 years’ experience as a consultant Ecologist.

• Relevant degree in ecology or related discipline.

• Full membership of CIEEM.

• Strong knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation and practical mitigation strategies for protected species.

• Experience with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and planning processes.

• Protected species licences are advantageous, particularly bats and Great Crested Newts (GCN).

• Strong field survey and technical report writing skills, including EcIA and EPSL licence documentation.

• Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.

• Excellent project management skills, including financial oversight and team coordination.

• Enthusiastic, flexible, and proactive approach.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues at all levels.

• Full UK driving licence and flexibility for occasional travel or fieldwork outside office hours.

Desirable Attributes

• Named ecologist on EPSL/Mitigation licences for bats or GCN.

• FISC level 3 or above.

• Habitat Regulations Assessment experience.

• GIS proficiency.

• Experience mentoring staff.

Benefits

• Paid professional membership annually.

• Cycle to Work scheme.

• Technology allowance.

• Free eye tests.

• Travel loans.

• Access to company vehicles.

• Workplace pension scheme.

• 24 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service.