Senior / Principal Ecologist

Are you looking for an ecology role where your ideas are welcomed, innovation is encouraged and you can genuinely influence how projects are delivered?

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is supporting a forward-thinking environmental consultancy in the search for a Senior or Principal Ecologist to join their growing team.

This is an opportunity to join a business that is challenging traditional approaches to environmental consultancy. Known for its collaborative culture, technical excellence and progressive mindset, the team combines ecological expertise with innovative thinking to deliver practical, sustainable solutions for clients across planning and development projects.

With an exciting pipeline of projects, strong leadership and ambitious growth plans, this is an excellent opportunity for an ecologist who wants more than simply delivering reports. It's a chance to help shape projects, influence outcomes and develop your career within a business that is looking firmly towards the future.

Why This Consultancy?

This established environmental consultancy has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality ecological advice across a broad range of sectors and development projects.

Their ecology team combines technical excellence with a deep understanding of planning policy, environmental legislation and industry best practice, enabling them to provide trusted advice throughout the development process.

From habitat and protected species assessments through to Biodiversity Net Gain, ecological enhancement and wider sustainability initiatives, the team works closely with clients to develop practical, evidence-led solutions that balance environmental objectives with project requirements.

As a recognised leader in ecological consultancy, they continually invest in innovation, professional development and technical advancement. Team members are encouraged to contribute ideas, challenge convention and stay at the forefront of emerging policy, legislation and ecological best practice.

This is an environment where ecologists can develop their expertise, work on complex and rewarding projects and play an active role in shaping more sustainable outcomes for people and nature.

The Opportunity

As a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you will take the lead on ecological surveys, assessments and reporting across a diverse range of projects. You will work closely with clients, planners and environmental specialists to provide pragmatic, evidence-based advice that supports sustainable development and delivers positive environmental outcomes.

Alongside project delivery, you will play an important role in mentoring colleagues, supporting innovation and contributing to the continued growth and success of the ecology team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ecological surveys, habitat assessments and protected species work
• Prepare high-quality Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports and mitigation strategies
• Provide expert ecological advice throughout the planning process
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Liaise with local authorities, statutory consultees and project stakeholders
• Manage projects from inception through to delivery
• Support and mentor junior ecologists
• Contribute to technical excellence, innovation and best practice within the team
• Stay at the forefront of emerging ecological policy, legislation and industry developments

About You

• Experience operating at Senior Ecologist or Principal Ecologist level
• Strong technical knowledge of UK habitats, protected species and ecological legislation
• Experience delivering ecological reports independently
• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Ecology or a related discipline
• Membership of CIEEM or working towards membership
• Excellent communication, project management and client-facing skills
• Full UK driving licence

What's on Offer?

This is a business that genuinely invests in its people and creates an environment where talented ecologists can thrive.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Christmas office closure
• Holiday buy and sell options
• Professional membership funding
• Structured CPD and career development support
• Wellbeing programme and employee assistance services
• Regular social events and team activities
• Exposure to prestigious and technically challenging projects
• Clear progression opportunities within a growing consultancy
• A supportive culture that encourages innovation, collaboration and professional growth
• The opportunity to influence projects, contribute ideas and help shape the future direction of the ecology team

Apply

If you're passionate about delivering high-quality ecological work and want to join a consultancy that embraces innovation, values technical excellence and empowers its people to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please send your CV to:

vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk

Ocean to Earth Recruitment

Connecting environmental professionals with organisations that are creating positive impact for people, projects and the natural environment.