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.