Principal Consultant - Ecology

Haskoning; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-owned

Hybrid/part-time options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Haskoning seeks a Principal Ecologist to lead the delivery of complex terrestrial ecology projects and provide technical leadership across a broad portfolio. You will oversee protected species surveys and ecological assessments, mentoring the team and ensuring high-quality outputs throughout feasibility, planning and post-consent delivery.

You will deliver expert ecological advice from EIAs to Biodiversity Net Gain and Licence applications, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams while

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience in ecological consultancy across development projects.
• Experience in preparing and reviewing EIAs, Habitats Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and client-facing skills.
• Proactive and commercially aware with ability to contribute to team growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of complex terrestrial ecology projects.
• Oversee protected species surveys and wider ecological assessments.
• Provide expert ecological advice across project lifecycle and manage documentation (EIAs, HRAs, licences).
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and support business development.
• Mentor junior colleagues and manage client relationships.

Skills

Ecology consultancy

Project leadership

Technical report writing

Client engagement

Mentoring

UK driving licence

Education

Degree in ecology or environmental science

Job description

About Haskoning

At Haskoning, you will join an independent, employee-owned international consultancy that combines engineering, design, and consultancy services with software and technology. Our mission, "Enhancing Society Together," drives us to create a positive impact on the world. We offer purpose-driven and challenging work in diverse international projects, leveraging our 140+ years of expertise. With over 6,800 employees in more than 25 countries, we work together to turn challenges into opportunities and make a real impact on society.

What will you do as a Principal Ecologist

As our new Principal Ecologist, you will lead the delivery of complex terrestrial ecology projects and provide technical leadership across a broad portfolio of work. You will oversee and deliver protected species surveys and wider ecological assessments, supporting projects from early feasibility and bid stages through to planning, construction and post-consent delivery. You will act as a technical lead and mentor within the ecology team, ensuring high-quality outputs and supporting the development of junior colleagues.

You will provide expert ecological advice throughout all stages of the project lifecycle, including the preparation and review of Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Protected Species and Habitat Mitigation Strategies, Ecological Management Plans, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, Protected Species Licence applications and Method Statements. You will also support project management, client engagement and business development activities, helping to identify opportunities, prepare proposals and maintain strong client relationships.

In addition, you will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across major infrastructure, renewable energy and development projects, providing pragmatic and innovative solutions to ecological constraints while supporting sustainable project delivery and wider biodiversity net gain.

What You Bring

You will have extensive ecological consultancy experience, typically with over 10 years of experience working across a range of development projects, including the design and management of ecological surveys, technical report writing and project delivery. You will hold a relevant degree in ecology, environmental science or a related discipline (equivalent non-degree qualifications will also be considered). You are a proactive and dependable technical specialist with strong leadership, mentoring and client-facing skills. You are adaptable, commercially aware and motivated to contribute to the continued growth and development of the team.

You will have substantial experience in the preparation and review of Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Protected Species and Habitat Mitigation Strategies, Ecological Management Plans, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Protected Species Licence applications and Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments.

Furthermore, You Will Also Have

• Experience undertaking and managing a variety of ecological surveys.
• Holds one or more Natural England protected species survey licences. Experience as a mitigation licence holder or named ecologist on mitigation licences would be advantageous.
• Full membership of CIEEM (CEcol or CEnv desirable).
• Experience in managing projects, budgets and client relationships.
• Experience mentoring and supporting junior team members.
• A willingness to travel occasionally and a valid UK driving licence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organisational, analytical and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

What We Offer You

We offer you a stimulating and collaborative environment where we put people first and where you are empowered to shape your career path. In parallel with project delivery, our UK Terrestrial Ecology Practice places a strong emphasis on continued professional development, technical excellence and knowledge sharing. As an employee-owned business, we invest in our staff through structured training, mentoring, opportunities to attend conferences/events, opportunities to become involved in company initiatives (including innovation and sustainability programmes) and in-person Ecology Practice team‑building sessions.

As a Principal Ecologist, you will also have the opportunity to contribute strategically to the growth and direction of the ecology team, supporting business development, mentoring colleagues and helping to shape technical standards and best practice across the Practice.

You can look forward to growing your career in a dynamic and supportive workplace with development opportunities and support on your career path. We have flexible working models to ensure a balance of family and working life, including hybrid and part time options.

Are you our new colleague?

At Haskoning, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our mission of "Enhancing Society Together" drives us to create an environment that embraces everyone’s unique background, identity, and perspective. Regardless of your experience, background, age, gender, or other personal characteristics you are welcome here. We believe that diversity makes us stronger and that an inclusive culture gives everyone the opportunity to grow and contribute. Read more about our ED&I initiatives on our dedicated webpage.