Senior/Principal Ecologist

Your new company

My client is a well-established ecological consultancy that has recently strengthened its position by joining a leading UK environmental and engineering group. They offer a comprehensive range of ecological and habitat services, working across projects including PEA, BNG, habitat creation, species mitigation, and monitoring.

With a growing and collaborative team, they pride themselves on delivering pragmatic, high-quality ecological solutions while maintaining a strong client-focused approach.

Your new role

As a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you will take a leading role in the delivery of ecological services across a diverse project portfolio. You will manage projects from conception through to completion, providing technical leadership while maintaining strong client relationships.

Your role will include:

• Planning, managing, and delivering ecological projects and surveys
• Leading protected species and habitat surveys, including complex project work
• Producing and reviewing technical reports (PEAs, EcIAs, mitigation strategies, licence applications)
• Managing project budgets, timelines, and resources
• Acting as a key point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and regulators
• Supporting and overseeing junior team members, including mentoring and technical review
• Coordinating fieldwork and survey programmes
• Supporting business development, including tendering and client relationship management

The role offers a blend of office, home, and field-based work, with flexibility built into the working pattern.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A relevant degree in Ecology or a related discipline
• Significant experience within ecological consultancy, with the ability to manage your own projects and clients
• Strong field skills, including protected species and habitat identification
• Proven experience producing and reviewing technical reports and impact assessments
• Experience in project management, including coordination of surveys and staff
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
• A full UK driving licence

Desirable:

• Protected species licences (e.g. bats, dormouse, great crested newts)
• Experience with EPS licence applications and mitigation strategies
• Knowledge of BNG and ecological legislation, botanical skills
• GIS experience (e.g. QGIS) and bat sound analysis
• Membership of CIEEM

What you'll get in return

In return, my client offers a competitive and supportive package, including:

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience and level): Senior - £37,000 - £45,000, Principal - £45,000 - £55,000.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements
• Overtime pay (including standard overtime payment for bat surveys)
• Time off in lieu
• Company benefits package including wellbeing support and Medicash
• Pension scheme
• Holiday starting at 29 days per year including bank holidays, increasing with tenure
• Training (internal and external) and clear career development opportunities
• Regular social events and a supportive team culture
• Access to company pool vehicles where required

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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