Principal Ecologist

Our client are looking for an experienced ecologist to support delivery of the Green Corridor associated with High Speed Two (HS2). This role will play a key part in ecological assurance, licence compliance, design integrity, and land handover across a complex NSIP environment.

The Role

Supporting the Ecology Lead, you will drive the development, assurance and implementation of robust ecological handover documentation in line with HS2 standards, contractual requirements and industry best practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing technical assurance of ecological design, asset completion and land handover.

• Ensuring landscape and ecological design aligns with the Environmental Statement, No Net Loss requirements, ESMPs, LMMMPs and protected species licences.

• Designing, implementing and reviewing protected species mitigation and habitat creation, incorporating monitoring and adaptive management.

• Reviewing hydrology, topography and habitat suitability to ensure location-appropriate design.

• Managing design clashes and incorporating monitoring-led updates.

• Assuring Schedule 17 and Scheme of Mitigation submissions.

• Driving licence compliance and close-out.

• Project managing ecological works packages and overseeing subcontractor deliverables.

• Supporting and guiding Natural Capital and Lands teams.

About You

You will have significant experience delivering ecological mitigation and enhancement within major infrastructure or construction projects, ideally NSIPs.

Essential requirements:

• Strong knowledge of UK ecological legislation and best practice.

• Experience communicating with statutory bodies on protected species licences.

• Protected species licence holder (mitigation licence desirable).

• Excellent project management, organisational and problem-solving skills.

• Experience working within utilities, construction or engineering environments.

• Degree (or higher) in Ecology or related discipline.

• Membership of CIEEM (or eligible).

• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.