Senior​/Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for your new challenge within the ecology sector?

Principal Ecologist

Are you experienced ecologist looking for your new challenge within the ecology sector? Do you want to bring your expertise and knowledge to help us succeed? Well then why not get in touch with us today!

Southern Ecological Solutions, part of the RSK Group is seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to play a key leadership role within our team based in the South East of England. This is a senior technical and client‑facing position, suited to an individual with strong consultancy experience who is confident leading complex projects, supporting team development and helping to drive continued business growth.

You will act as a technical authority across a range of ecological disciplines, providing oversight, mentoring and quality assurance, while maintaining hands‑on involvement in project delivery.

The role also offers significant autonomy, influence over project direction, and clear progression opportunities within SES and the wider RSK Group.

• Leading and managing complex ecological projects, including large-scale developments and infrastructure schemes
• Acting as technical lead and reviewer for PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, protected species mitigation strategies and BNG assessments
• Providing expert advice on ecology, legislation and planning policy (including NPPF and local policy)
• Supporting and mentoring ecologists at all levels, fostering technical excellence and career development
• Overseeing survey design, seasonal programming and risk management across multiple projects
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, contributing to bids, tenders and fee proposals
• Supporting business development and representing SES at meetings, workshops and stakeholder forums
• Ensuring consistent quality, compliance and best practice across Midlands projects

Southern Ecological Solutions is a trusted consultancy specialising in Ecology, Arboriculture, and Landscape Planning & Design. For over a decade, we have built a reputation for delivering pragmatic, innovative solutions to clients ranging from global corporations to private homeowners. At SES, you’ll have the opportunity to advance your career while contributing to environmentally sustainable growth.

We are also part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.

Essential

• A Degree (or equivalent) in ecology or a related discipline.
• One or more protected species licences (e.g. bats, GCN).
• Extensive experience within a professional ecological consultancy.
• Strong track record of delivering and reviewing complex technical reports.
• In-depth knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and guidance.

Desirable

• Full or Chartered membership of CIEEM.
• Strong botanical competence (FISC Level 4 or equivalent experience).
• Experience leading BNG assessments and advising on biodiversity strategies.
• Experience contributing to bids, frameworks or strategic projects.

You will also be required to have a full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle.

You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in client‑facing roles. You will be a strong leader and be able to mentor and provide valuable support to other staff members. Being a proactive self‑starter will allow you to be successful and confident in leading on a wide range of projects across the business.

Along with a competitive salary of £40,000‑£50,000 (depending on experience) you will enjoy a wide range of company benefits.

• Birthday Leave:
  Enjoy a day off to celebrate your birthday in addition to your annual leave.
• Generous Holiday Allowance:
  Start with 23 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 28 days.
• Life Assurance:
  Benefit from our life assurance plan to provide peace of mind.
• Hybrid working:
  Flexible…