Senior​/Prinicpal Ecologist

Senior to Principal Ecologist

Our client is a well‑respected and growing environmental consultancy delivering high‑quality ecological services across a wide range of development and infrastructure projects. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Senior to Principal Ecologist to join their team based in Oxfordshire
.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established ecologist looking to take on greater responsibility, manage projects, and play a key role in shaping and growing an ecology team within a supportive consultancy environment.

The successful candidate will take a lead role on projects, with responsibilities including:

• Managing and delivering ecological projects from tender through to completion
• Leading ecological surveys, including habitat and protected species surveys
• Producing and reviewing high‑quality technical reports (PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments, etc.)
• Providing technical guidance and mentoring to junior team members
• Liaising with clients, planners, and other stakeholders
• Ensuring compliance with UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and best practice

Our client is looking for someone who has:

• A degree (or higher) in Ecology or a related discipline
• Significant experience within ecological consultancy
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning processes
• Experience managing projects, budgets, and client relationships
• Excellent report‑writing and communication skills
• Membership (or working towards membership) of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM)
• Protected species licences (desirable but not essential)
• A full UK driving licence

• Salary £30,000 – £40,000 DOE
• Flexible working options
• Support with continued professional development and chartership
• Opportunity to play a key role in the growth of the ecology team
• A friendly, collaborative working environment
• Clear progression opportunities

This role would suit a confident Senior Ecologist ready to step up, or an experienced Principal Ecologist looking for a new challenge within a growing consultancy.

For more information please contact James Hardie at Penguin Recruitment.