Senior/Principal Ecologist

Overview

As a Senior/Principal Ecologist, you lead and coordinate ecological work across diverse projects, shaping strategy and mentoring junior staff. You act as the technical bridge to clients, planners and design teams, ensuring high-quality ecological deliverables and regulatory compliance. You influence project direction, drive biodiversity solutions, and help grow the ecology team within a collaborative, independent consultancy. This role offers impact on planning-led schemes, biodiversity initiatives and ongoing professional development within a supportive environment.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working and flexibility
• 25 days holiday (30 with long service)
• pension scheme with employer contributions
• extensive CPD and training budgets
• paid CIEEM membership and EPS licence fees
• volunteering days and family-friendly policies

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate ecological inputs across project stages with strategic direction
• Prepare and review ecological reports and assessments (PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, BNGs, habitat assessments)
• Design and oversee protected species surveys and licensing processes
• Act as technical contact for clients and stakeholders; advise on ecological risks and opportunities
• Support proposals, fees, and business development activities
• Line manage or mentor junior ecologists and contribute to training and QA
• Help shape team capability and scalability of ecology function
• Contribute to projects across residential, strategic land, heritage-led and biodiversity initiatives
• Support rollout of upgraded GIS workflows and data collection with GIS consultant

Key requirements

• Degree in ecology/biology (1st or 2:1 preferred)
• Proven consultancy experience at Consultant/Senior/Principal level
• Proficiency in designing, leading and quality-checking ecological surveys and reports
• Strong understanding of wildlife legislation, planning policy and mitigation licensing
• Experience contributing to EcIAs, BNG assessments and planning-level ecological deliverables
• Excellent project management, coordination and client liaison skills
• Confident communicator providing proportionate advice to clients and stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills to oversee multiple projects
• Experience mentoring or managing junior team members
• Competence with MS Office and QGIS (training provided)
• Full UK driving licence and own vehicle
• Full CIEEM membership or working towards

• client liaison
• clear communication
• mentoring and coaching
• EcIAs
• BNG assessments
• habitat assessments

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