Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

Location:

Kent (Hybrid / Flexible Working)

Salary: £40,000+ DOE

Contract:

Permanent, Full-Time

• Lead and manage complex ecological projects from tender through to delivery
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance across ecological reports and assessments
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, planners, and stakeholders
• Oversee and support the development of senior and junior ecologists
• Contribute to business development, proposals, and strategic growth
• Ensure compliance with UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and best practice
• Support workload planning, resourcing, and team management

• A degree (or higher) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy at Senior or Principal level
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning processes
• Proven experience leading EcIAs, PEAs, and complex ecological assessments
• Chartered membership (or working towards) of CIEEM
• One or more protected species licences (highly desirable)
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and client management skills
• A full UK driving licence

• Salary of £40,000+ DOE
• Kent-based role with hybrid and flexible working options
• Senior leadership position with influence over projects and team direction
• Varied and high-profile projects across multiple sectors
• Support for continued professional development and career progression

If you are a motivated ecologist looking to make a real impact and lead ecological projects, we would love to hear from you.

Contact James Hardie at Penguin Recruitment