Senior / Principal Ecologist

The Opportunity

If you're an experienced Senior Ecologist who's beginning to think about what's next, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Perhaps you're already leading projects, mentoring junior colleagues and building strong client relationships, but you're looking for more influence, greater autonomy and a clearer route into leadership. Or maybe you're already operating at Principal level and want to join a business where your expertise genuinely shapes projects, people and the future direction of ecology.

This is an opportunity to join a growing environmental consultancy where ecology is a valued part of the business—not simply a supporting discipline. You'll work on diverse projects across infrastructure, renewable energy, development and environmental management, with the freedom to take ownership while being supported by an experienced and collaborative team.

Whether you're ready to step into a Principal role now or would value structured support to get there, you'll find genuine opportunities to develop your career here.

The Company

This established environmental consultancy delivers ecological and environmental services across the UK and Ireland, supporting clients from early planning through to construction and long-term environmental management.

The business has built its reputation on practical, commercially informed ecological advice, combining technical excellence with a collaborative approach. You'll work alongside specialists from a range of environmental disciplines, giving you exposure to varied and interesting projects while being part of a supportive team that values knowledge sharing and continuous development.

With continued growth comes genuine opportunity. Leadership development, technical specialisation and career progression are actively encouraged, and success is recognised through responsibility rather than hierarchy.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you'll take ownership of projects from survey through to delivery, providing trusted advice to clients while helping shape the development of the ecology team.

Your work is likely to include:

• Leading ecological surveys, assessments and reporting across a wide range of projects.
• Managing Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Building strong relationships with clients, planning authorities and statutory bodies.
• Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists, helping develop technical capability across the team.
• Providing technical review and quality assurance of ecological outputs.
• Contributing to business development, framework opportunities and long-term client relationships.
• For those progressing towards Principal, gradually taking on greater responsibility for project leadership, commercial performance and team development.

About You

You'll probably have several years' experience in ecological consultancy and be confident managing projects and delivering high-quality technical work.

More importantly, you'll enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively and helping others develop.

You might already be working as a Principal Ecologist, or you could be an ambitious Senior Ecologist looking for a business that will actively invest in your progression rather than asking you to wait for the "right time."

Experience in protected species, habitats, licensing, EcIA, HRA or ECoW would all be valuable, although the team recognises that every ecologist brings a different blend of expertise.

Membership of CIEEM and strong knowledge of UK and Irish ecological legislation would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

Alongside a competitive salary based on experience, you'll benefit from:

• A genuine pathway from Senior to Principal Ecologist.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance.
• Interesting, technically challenging projects across multiple sectors.
• A supportive team with a strong focus on mentoring and professional development.
• Fully funded training and continuing professional development.
• Payment of professional memberships.
• Private healthcare.
• Annual and performance-related bonus schemes.
• Enhanced annual leave with service.
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Gym membership support.
• Family-friendly policies and flexible leave options.
• Regular team events and a positive, collaborative culture where people enjoy working together.

Location & Flexibility

This is a hybrid position based in Northern Ireland, with flexibility to work from home alongside office and site-based work. Travel across the UK and Ireland will form part of the role, depending on project requirements.

Interested?

Even if you're not actively looking, it's often worth having a conversation when an opportunity offers genuine progression rather than simply a change of employer.

If you're an experienced Senior Ecologist ready to take the next step, or a Principal Ecologist looking for more autonomy, interesting projects and a supportive team, we'd love to tell you more.

Get in touch for a confidential conversation.