Principal Ecology Consultant

Are you an experienced ecologist ready to take the lead on complex projects and help shape the future of our growing ecology practice? As a Principal Ecology Consultant at Haskoning, you will combine your technical expertise with leadership, client engagement and mentoring skills to deliver practical solutions that make a positive difference for nature and society. What will you do as a Principal Ecology Consultant:
As our new Principal Ecology Consultant, you will lead complex terrestrial ecology projects, providing expert advice from early feasibility and bid stages through to planning, construction and post-consent delivery. As a technical lead within the ecology team, you will ensure high-quality outputs and mentor junior colleagues. Your key responsibilities will include:
Overseeing and delivering protected species surveys and other ecological fieldwork across a range of projects. Preparing and reviewing ecological assessments, mitigation strategies and management plans. Supporting project management and client engagement, helping to maintain strong client relationships and deliver projects effectively. Contributing to business development activities, including identifying opportunities and preparing proposals. Where you will work:

At Haskoning, you will join an independent, employee-owned international consultancy that combines engineering, design and consultancy services with software and technology. Guided by our mission, Enhancing Society Together, we bring over 140 years of expertise to projects that make a positive difference for society. Our 6,800 colleagues across more than 25 countries include over 700 people working across multiple UK offices.

Our multidisciplinary teams help shape the built and natural environment through projects ranging from resilient coastal defences and the energy transition to smart ports, data centres and sustainable urban development.  Within our ecology practice, you will work alongside colleagues from other disciplines to integrate ecological expertise into these projects, helping to balance development needs with positive outcomes for nature. Do you want to read more about working for Haskoning in the UK?

You can read it here.  

What you bring:

You are a proactive and dependable technical specialist with strong leadership, mentoring and client-facing skills. Adaptable and commercially aware, you bring strong communication, organisational and analytical skills, alongside the motivation to support the continued growth of our ecology team. Knowledge you’ll bring to the team:
Extensive ecological consultancy experience, typically over 10 years, across a range of development projects, including the design and management of ecological surveys, technical report writing and project delivery. A relevant degree in ecology, environmental science or a related discipline, although equivalent non-degree qualifications will also be considered.

Experience preparing and reviewing a range of ecological assessments and strategies, including Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Protected Species and Habitat Mitigation Strategies, Ecological Management Plans, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, Protected Species Licence applications and Method Statements.

One or more Natural England protected species survey licences and full membership of CIEEM; experience as a mitigation licence holder or named ecologist on mitigation licences, and CEcol or CEnv status, would be advantageous.

Experience managing projects, budgets and client relationships, alongside a willingness to travel occasionally and a valid UK driving licence.

What we offer you:

At Haskoning, we believe that the well-being of our employees is essential to our shared success. That’s…