Principal Ecologist

Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited; Banbury; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

33 days annual leave

Increasing leave with service

Pension 6% matched

Private medical insurance

Income protection

Life assurance

Cycle to Work

Training & development

Volunteer day

Memberships paid

Job summary

Bennett & Game Recruitment are seeking a Principal Ecologist in Banbury to lead terrestrial ecology projects across residential, commercial, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. The role includes field surveys, client management and team development within a flexible, supportive environment.

The position requires a degree in Ecology and at least four years' experience, with strong knowledge of UK habitats and protected species; travel across the UK may be required.

Qualifications

• Lead and manage a diverse range of terrestrial ecology projects across sectors.
• Prepare fee proposals, project scopes, budgets and delivery programmes.
• Plan and oversee ecological field surveys and survey teams.
• Analyse ecological data and provide technically robust advice to clients.
• Produce and review high-quality technical reports including ecological appraisals and impact assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a diverse range of terrestrial ecology projects from enquiry to completion.
• Prepare fee proposals, scopes and delivery programmes.
• Oversee ecological field surveys and teams.
• Prepare ecological reports including EIA, Biodiversity Net Gain and protected species reports.
• Mentor junior team members and liaise with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Client management

Team mentoring

Field surveys

Report writing

Education

Degree in Ecology

Job description

Bennett & Game Recruitment are pleased to be working with a leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to join their growing terrestrial ecology team based in Banbury.

The successful candidate will lead and deliver a varied portfolio of ecological projects across the residential, commercial, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. The position combines technical project delivery, fieldwork, client management and team development, offering the opportunity to play an influential role within an established and expanding consultancy.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist seeking greater responsibility, varied project exposure and genuine long-term career progression within a flexible and supportive working environment.

Principal Ecologist Salary & Benefits

• Salary of £46,500 - £50,000, depending on experience
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays
• One additional day of annual leave for every three years of service, up to five additional days
• Option to carry forward up to five days of annual leave
• Option to buy or sell up to five days of annual leave per year
• 6% matched pension contributions at Principal level
• Private medical insurance following successful completion of probation
• Income protection covering 75% of salary following a qualifying period
• Life assurance of four times annual salary
• Enhanced company sick pay
• One paid volunteering day per year
• One professional membership paid annually
• Cycle to Work Scheme up to the value of £3,000
• Comprehensive training and professional development
• Supportive social, wellbeing and employee network groups
• Excellent opportunities for progression within a growing environmental consultancy

Principal Ecologist Job Overview

• Lead and manage a diverse range of terrestrial ecology projects from initial enquiry through to completion
• Prepare fee proposals, project scopes, budgets and delivery programmes
• Plan and oversee ecological field surveys and survey teams
• Undertake and review UK Habitat Classification and Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
• Manage protected species surveys, mitigation strategies and licensing work
• Analyse ecological data and provide technically robust advice to clients
• Produce and review high-quality technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and protected species reports
• Proofread and provide technical oversight of reports produced by other members of the team
• Manage project budgets, timescales and resources
• Liaise directly with clients, planning authorities, statutory bodies and other project stakeholders
• Support, mentor and develop junior and intermediate members of the ecology team
• Work collaboratively with specialists across a range of environmental disciplines
• Contribute to the continued development and growth of the ecology team
• Undertake occasional travel across the UK, including overnight stays where required

Principal Ecologist Job Requirements

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline
• Minimum of four years' relevant professional experience within ecological consultancy, the public sector, a conservation organisation or a closely related environment
• Strong knowledge of UK habitats, botanical identification and protected species
• Extensive experience undertaking Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and/or UK Habitat Classification Surveys
• Comprehensive experience undertaking protected species surveys
• Experience developing and implementing protected species mitigation strategies
• Holder of at least one protected species survey licence
• Strong experience producing ecological reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and protected species reports
• Ability to review and proofread technical work produced by colleagues
• Previous project management experience including responsibility for budgets, programmes and resources
• Experience leading, mentoring or supporting junior members of staff
• Strong client management and stakeholder communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects
• Willingness to travel across the UK when required
• Full UK driving licence