Principal Ecologist

A well established organisation within the UK infrastructure sector is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead and develop its ecological consultancy function, supporting projects across transport, water, energy and telecommunications.

This role will focus on providing technical ecological advice, managing environmental assessments and ensuring projects meet relevant legislation and biodiversity requirements throughout design and construction.

Working closely with engineers, project managers and delivery teams, you will lead a team of ecologists, oversee ecological surveys and assessments, and support the development of sustainable solutions across a range of infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of ecologists, providing technical guidance and support.
• Oversee ecological surveys, assessments and reporting across infrastructure projects.
• Lead Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and protected species licensing.
• Provide ecological advice throughout project design, construction and maintenance.
• Prepare and review Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and technical reports.
• Develop mitigation strategies, ecological enhancements and nature-based solutions.
• Work closely with engineers, project managers, regulators and external stakeholders.
• Manage project budgets, programmes, resources and consultancy deliverables.
• Support business development and the continued growth of the ecology team.

About You

You are an experienced ecologist with a strong consultancy background, ideally within infrastructure, construction or environmental services. You have a good understanding of UK ecological legislation and enjoy providing technical advice, managing projects and developing teams.

You are organised, confident working with clients and stakeholders, and comfortable balancing site-based work with technical reporting and team leadership.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Strong ecological consultancy experience within infrastructure or construction projects.
• Experience leading, managing and developing teams of ecologists.
• Good knowledge of UK ecological legislation, policies and guidance.
• Experience delivering habitat and protected species surveys, including UKHab and BNG assessments.
• Proven experience with Habitats Regulations Assessments, SSSI applications and ecological licensing.
• Strong technical report writing, reviewing and project management skills.
• Experience working with planning authorities, regulators and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in GIS and other ecological assessment tools.
• Professional membership of CIEEM or an equivalent organisation.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites.
• Desirable
  Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Holder of protected species survey or mitigation licences.
  
  Experience supporting biodiversity improvements and nature-based solutions.
• Experience developing ecological consultancy services and supporting business growth.

Location: Home Counties – Site-Based / Flexible Working

Salary: Competitive + Company Car + Benefits

Referral Bonus: Have someone in mind for this position? We offer rewards of up to £1,000 for successful introductions (T&Cs apply).