Principal Ecologist

Aspect Ecology Ltd.; Banbury; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Mental health support

Income protection

Flexible working

Job summary

Aspect Ecology Ltd., part of the APEM Group, is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead a diverse portfolio of terrestrial ecology projects across the UK. The role combines fieldwork, technical oversight and project management with client engagement.

You will prepare fee proposals, oversee survey programmes, analyse ecological data and produce high-quality reports while mentoring colleagues. Travel across the UK and some overnight stays are expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years' professional experience in ecological consultancy or closely related field.
• Relevant degree and/or postgraduate qualification with strong academic record.
• Comprehensive experience with UK botanical and faunal identification.
• Phase 1 Habitat knowledge and protected species surveys/licensing experience.
• Proven ability to produce concise, high-quality written reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver a diverse portfolio of terrestrial ecology projects.
• Prepare fee proposals and oversee survey programmes.
• Manage and analyse ecological field data and produce high-quality technical reports.
• Support and mentor colleagues across the team.
• Travel across the UK with occasional overnight stays.

Skills

4+ years experience

Ecology expertise

Report writing

Project management

Client liaison

Fieldwork

Driving licence

Education

Bachelor's degree in ecology or related

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Are you an experienced ecologist with a passion for delivering impactful terrestrial ecology projects? Are you looking for a role that combines strategic influence with hands-on project delivery? Are you keen to play a key role within a growing team and help shape its future direction?

Aspect Ecology, part of the APEM Group, is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join our industry leading team of specialists. In this role, you'll lead and deliver a diverse portfolio of terrestrial ecology projects, combining fieldwork, technical oversight and project management with client engagement. You'll prepare fee proposals, oversee survey programmes, manage and analyse ecological field data, and produce high-quality technical reports while supporting and mentoring colleagues across the team.

By joining Aspect Ecology you will be working within an experienced team of terrestrial ecologists who deliver a wide variety of projects across the UK across including housing, retail, employment and renewable energy. As part of the wider APEM Group, you'll also have the opportunity to collaborate with specialists from across the environmental sector, broadening your experience and contributing to truly multidisciplinary projects.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• A minimum of 4 years' relevant professional experience in ecological consultancy or closely related field including the public sector or conservation bodies.
• A relevant degree and/or postgraduate qualification, with a strong academic record.
• Comprehensive experience with UK botanical and faunal identification.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of Phase 1 Habitat and / or UK Habitat Classification surveys & extensive knowledge and experience of undertaking protected species surveys, mitigation and licensing, and holder of at least one protected species survey licence.
• The ability to produce concise, high quality, written reports, with experience of Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EcIAs, BNG, protected species survey reports, etc., and to proof-read others' work.
• Experience of managing projects and leading and motivating staff.
• Experience of client liaison and management.
• Ability to travel across the UK, with some requirement for over-night stays.
• A full UK driving licence.

You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, many of our employees have worked on projects that have been of personal interest to them. We match this with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. We also offer benefits to look after you, from private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area - we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.