Senior/Principal Ecologist

Our client is a highly regarded multidisciplinary environmental consultancy with a strong presence across the North West and beyond. Their work spans ecology, arboriculture, landscape design, biodiversity net gain, and environmental planning, supporting projects across the residential, commercial, education, and infrastructure sectors.

This consultancy has built its reputation on collaboration, technical excellence, and a genuine commitment to sustainability. They offer an engaging and inclusive culture where people are supported to reach their full potential — whether developing technical expertise, leading complex projects, or mentoring the next generation of environmental professionals.

Why Work Here?

• Competitive rewards and benefits package

• 1 paid professional membership annually

• Cycle to Work & Technology schemes

• Free eye tests and travel loans

• Access to company vehicles (role dependent)

• Workplace pension scheme

• 24 days’ holiday, rising to 30 with long service

• Structured career progression and ongoing CPD

• Supportive, friendly, and forward-thinking team culture

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a motivated Senior or Principal Ecologist with a minimum of 3–5 years’ consultancy experience to join a growing ecology team in Manchester.

You’ll lead a wide range of ecological projects — from small-scale developments to large, multi-disciplinary infrastructure schemes — while mentoring junior staff and helping shape the continued growth of the ecology service. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys project leadership, variety, and meaningful work that makes a difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a diverse portfolio of ecological projects

• Build and maintain client relationships from project inception to completion

• Oversee and undertake habitat and protected species surveys

• Provide Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) support on site

• Prepare, review, and quality-check technical reports and assessments

• Mentor and develop junior team members

• Contribute to business development and tender opportunities

• Ensure high standards of quality, compliance, and health & safety

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience as an ecological consultant

• Degree in ecology or a related discipline

• Full member of CIEEM (or working towards)

• Strong knowledge of UK and EC wildlife legislation

• Experience applying mitigation for protected species

• Working understanding of EIA and planning processes

• EPSL licence experience (bats or GCN advantageous)

• Excellent field skills and technical report writing

• Familiarity with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments

• Strong project management and client liaison abilities

• Full UK driving licence and flexibility for site work

Desirable Skills

• Named ecologist on EPSL or mitigation licence (bats/GCN)

• FISC Level 3 or above

• Experience of Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA)

• GIS proficiency

• Experience mentoring and supporting junior ecologists