Senior​/Principal Ecologist

Are you passionate about biodiversity, nature-based solutions and sustainable development? Are you looking for opportunities to work on diverse and impactful projects that deliver lasting environmental benefits? Do you want to take your career to the next level within an award-winning ecological consultancy?

We're looking for experienced and enthusiastic Senior / Principal Ecologists to join our growing Ecology team across the UK. Opportunities are available in Birmingham, Brighton, Cambridge, Exeter, London, Manchester, Reading and Taunton.

As part of our multidisciplinary teams, you'll work on a broad range of projects spanning residential developments, regeneration schemes, energy and resources projects, transport infrastructure and nationally significant infrastructure projects. This is an exciting opportunity to influence project outcomes, drive biodiversity enhancement and deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) solutions that create positive environmental impact.

As a Senior / Principal Ecologist , you'll play a key role in delivering and overseeing ecological services across a diverse project portfolio. You'll provide trusted ecological advice to clients and project teams, helping to shape sustainable development proposals and maximise opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.

You'll be responsible for managing ecological inputs throughout project life cycles, overseeing survey programmes, producing high-quality technical reports and supporting clients through planning, licensing and environmental assessment processes. You'll also contribute to habitat restoration initiatives, biodiversity strategies and ecological management plans that deliver meaningful conservation outcomes.

• Deliver and oversee ecological assessments and mitigation strategies for a wide range of development and infrastructure projects.

• Provide expert, evidence-based ecological advice to clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary project teams.

• Manage and coordinate ecological field surveys through our network of ecologists.

• Lead the preparation and review of technical reports, including PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements.

• Support the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain strategies, habitat creation and restoration projects.

• Engage with planning authorities, statutory consultees and other stakeholders throughout project delivery.

• Assist with protected species licensing and ecological mitigation programmes.

• Prepare fee proposals, manage project budgets and contribute to the successful delivery of projects.

• Mentor and support junior ecologists, helping to develop technical excellence across the team.

• Contribute to innovative approaches around nature-based solutions, natural capital and ecosystem services.

• Degree qualified in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related environmental discipline.

• Full member of CIEEM, or working towards full membership.

• Strong understanding of UK ecology, environmental legislation and the planning system.

• Proven consultancy experience delivering complex ecological projects through planning and/or delivery stages.

• Experience preparing and reviewing ecological assessments, including PEA, EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements.

• Knowledge of UKHab classification, the Defra Biodiversity Metric and associated reporting requirements.

• Experience preparing fee proposals and managing project budgets.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically to solve ecological challenges.

• Broad understanding of terrestrial ecological issues.

• Working towards Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) or Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) status.

• Experience developing…