Senior / Principal Ecologist

Overview

In this Senior/Principal Ecologist role you drive ecological delivery across diverse development and infrastructure projects, guiding biodiversity enhancement and Biodiversity Net Gain. You will lead ecological inputs, mentor teams and shape planning and environmental assessment outcomes. The role sits in a multidisciplinary ecology team, offering opportunities to influence project decisions and deliver meaningful conservation results. You will work with clients, authorities and stakeholders to advance nature-based solutions and sustainable development.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• bonus schemes
• enhanced pension plan
• annual leave with buy/sell option
• private medical insurance
• life assurance

Responsibilities

• Deliver and oversee ecological assessments and mitigation strategies for development and infrastructure projects
• Provide expert ecological advice to clients and multidisciplinary teams
• Coordinate field surveys through the ecology network
• Prepare and review technical reports (PEA, EcIA, HRA, Biodiversity chapters of ES)
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain strategies and habitat restoration projects
• Engage planning authorities, consultees and stakeholders throughout delivery
• Assist with protected species licensing and mitigation programmes
• Prepare fee proposals and manage project budgets
• Mentor junior ecologists and develop technical excellence
• Contribute to innovative nature-based solutions, natural capital and ecosystem services

Key requirements

• Degree qualified in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or related environmental discipline
• Full member of CIEEM or working towards
• Strong understanding of UK ecology, environmental legislation and planning system
• Consultancy experience delivering complex ecological projects through planning and delivery
• Experience preparing/reviewing ecological assessments (PEA, EcIA, HRA, Biodiversity chapters)
• Knowledge of UKHab, Defra Biodiversity Metric and reporting requirements
• Experience preparing fee proposals and managing budgets
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management

• Communication
• Stakeholder management
• Strategic thinking
• UK ecology and environmental legislation
• PEA, EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements
• UKHab classification

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