Principal Ecologist

Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd; Banbury; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

33 days annual leave

Pension 6% matched

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Cycle to Work

Training & development

Volunteer day

Job summary

Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to lead a terrestrial ecology team in Banbury. You’ll deliver a varied portfolio across residential, commercial, infrastructure and renewable sectors with technical delivery, fieldwork, client management and team development.

The role offers hybrid working, generous leave, a strong benefits package and clear career progression within an expanding environmental consultancy.

Qualifications

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Ecology or related discipline.
• Minimum of four years' relevant professional experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK habitats and protected species.
• Experience with Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and UK Habitat Classification.
• Protected species surveys and mitigation strategies.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage diverse terrestrial ecology projects from enquiry to completion.
• Prepare proposals, scopes, budgets and delivery programmes.
• Plan and oversee ecological field surveys and survey teams.
• Analyse data and provide robust technical advice to clients.
• Produce high-quality technical reports (PJAs, EIA, Biodiversity Net Gain).
• Mentor junior team members and review colleagues’ reports.
• Manage project budgets, timelines and resources.
• Liaise with clients, planning authorities and stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Client management

Field surveys

Protected species surveys

Phase 1 Habitat Surveys

Data analysis

Report writing

Budgeting & scheduling

Mentoring juniors

Education

Ecology or related degree

Job description

Salary: GBP45000 - GBP50000 per annum

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