Principal Ecologist

Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play and together we solve the world’s most complex challenges.

As a Principal Ecologist, you will join a team of over 50 ecologists with more than 30 years of experience in ecological surveys and assessments. You will advise on soil, land use, hydrological and sustainable drainage issues, arboriculture, ecosystem services, natural capital assessment, biodiversity strategies, metrics, and cultural heritage. The role involves working on a wide range of environmental disciplines across the UK, Europe, and internationally for public and private clients such as EDF Energy, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, and many others.

• Accountable for the quality control, coordination and completion of assigned tasks and projects within the Business Unit or project team.

• Lead and manage the delivery of projects to meet time, budgetary and SHEQ targets.

• Manage ecological aspects of the client relationship so that delivery exceeds expectations.

• Provide technical direction and lead by example within the team.

• Detailed knowledge of ecological principles, biodiversity metrics, and relevant environmental legislation.
• In-depth knowledge of particular plant or animal groups and appropriate field survey skills.
• Proven track record in preparing and delivering Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), and Ecology Chapters for Environmental Statements that have been successfully consented.
• Experience in writing project- or plan‑level Habitat Regulation Assessments (HRAs).
• Excellent commercial and project management skills for a range of project sizes.
• Experience in bid production and client interaction.
• Ability to line‑manage and potentially lead a team.
• Hold survey and/or mitigation/conservation licences.
• Design and compliance of biosecurity and health and safety protocols.
• Chartered Environmentalist/Ecologist or demonstrably approaching Chartered status.
• Full member of CIEEM.
• Ability to travel when necessary.

You will have access to personal development programmes and mentorship from industry‑recognised technical leaders. We encourage a skills‑based career path that allows you to harness your experience and expertise.

We take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves accountable. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and to provide a great place to work for all employees. We embrace diverse people with different experiences, fostering innovation and improving quality of life.