Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist – Arcadis

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. With over 36,000 people in more than 70 countries, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life by solving complex challenges and delivering impact together.

As a Principal Ecologist, you will join a team of more than 50 ecologists who collectively bring over 30 years of experience in ecological surveys, assessments and advice on soil, land‑use, hydrology, sustainable drainage, arboriculture, ecosystem service, natural capital assessment, biodiversity strategies, metrics and cultural heritage. We have delivered more than 2,000 projects across the UK, Europe and beyond for public and private clients.

Presently, we are engaged on a variety of large and interesting projects, including Urban and Greenfield Residential Development, Highway and Rail Schemes, Power Stations, Electrical and Gas Infrastructure, and more. Our clients span from EDF Energy and Welsh Government to Transport for Wales, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Natural Resources Wales, National Grid, the Environment Agency, Transport for London, Highways England, Network Rail, the Canal and River Trust, Housing Associations and various Local Authorities.

• 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 a range of projects to meet time, budgetary and SHEQ targets, managing the ecological aspects of the client relationship so that delivery exceeds client expectations.
• Take a leadership role on projects and within the team, providing direction, technical advice and leading by example.
• Support personal development through mentoring by industry‑recognised technical leaders and continuous learning opportunities.

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

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of how we improve quality of life, and we work closely with our people across six ED&I Work streams:
Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+ and Race.