Lead Ecologist

ZipRecruiter; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy seeks a passionate Lead Ecologist to oversee projects and guide a talented team. This role involves managing high-impact projects, ensuring compliance, and integrating ecological insights into sustainable development across the UK. The ideal candidate will have chartered status and extensive consultancy experience.

Qualifications

• Proven consultancy experience in ecology.
• Deep knowledge of UK legislation.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact ecological projects and mentor a team.
• Manage budgets and drive ecological excellence in compliance.
• Write ecological assessments and develop biodiversity strategies.

Skills

Ecological assessment

Biodiversity strategies

Project management

Leadership

Education

Chartered Ecologist status (CIEEM or equivalent)

Job description

Job Description

Lead Ecologist - Shape the Future of Sustainable Development
Location: Flexible | Salary: Competitive | Full-time

Are you a passionate and experienced ecological professional ready to lead high-impact projects and inspire a dynamic team? We're looking for a Lead Ecologist to drive innovation, champion sustainability, and make a tangible difference to environments across the UK.

Reporting to the Director of Environmental Services, you'll head a skilled team of Ecologists and Trainees, mentoring them to excel in their careers while overseeing the successful delivery of diverse ecological projects. You'll play a pivotal role in integrating ecological insight into land-use practices, guiding clients and stakeholders with expert advice rooted in compliance, best practice, and sustainability.

This is a commercially focused, senior-level position where you'll manage budgets, lead protected species surveys and mitigation, support bid proposals, and ensure timely, high-quality project delivery. You'll liaise across disciplines, regulators, and clients, driving ecological excellence that aligns with company goals.

With proven consultancy experience, chartered status (CIEEM or equivalent), and deep knowledge of UK legislation, you're ready to influence projects from conception to completion. Whether it's writing robust ecological assessments, developing biodiversity strategies, or championing health, safety, and environmental performance—you'll be at the forefront of ecological best practice.

We offer a supportive, forward-thinking environment where your expertise will shape sustainable futures. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel are essential.

About us: Allen & York have been matching purposeful people with purpose-led organisations for 30 years. We partner with our clients and candidates on roles that build an understanding of climate change, promote sustainability, and create inclusive and responsible organisations, working towards a sustainable world for us all. Committed to inclusiveness in the workplace, we aim to increase diversity across all areas and therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, beliefs, or whether or not they have a disability. Let's help build a better world, together. For more information or to apply, please contact [e-mail]