Principal Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established environmental consultancy, located in Basingstoke, seeks an experienced Principal Ecologist to lead ecological services and drive future growth. This senior role requires strong technical expertise and leadership ability, focusing on a variety of ecological projects for both private and public sectors. The successful candidate will oversee surveys, mentor team members, and engage in client relationships. A relevant degree, extensive consultancy experience, and excellent communication skills are essential. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are offered alongside additional benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Generous annual leave allowance

Paid professional memberships

Funded training and CPD

Company pension scheme

Paid overtime or time off in lieu

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Extensive consultancy experience in ecology.
• Proven leadership and project management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of UK ecological legislation and planning processes.
• Strong report-writing and communication skills.
• Professional memberships or working towards them.

Responsibilities

• Leading and reviewing ecological surveys, reports, and mitigation strategies.
• Providing expert advice on UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Managing and mentoring ecologists at different career stages.
• Supporting tendering, proposals, and client liaison.
• Influencing service development and company direction.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Project management

Technical expertise in ecology

Education

Relevant degree in ecology

Job description

Principal Ecologist - Hampshire

An established and growing environmental consultancy based near Basingstoke is seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to play a key role in leading ecological services and shaping future growth. This senior position is suited to a confident professional who combines strong technical expertise with leadership ability, commercial awareness, and a passion for delivering high-quality ecological outcomes.

The Principal Ecologist will provide strategic and technical leadership across a wide range of ecological projects, supporting both private and public sector clients. Responsibilities will include overseeing complex surveys and assessments, mentoring team members, and contributing to business development and client relationships.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Generous annual leave allowance, plus bank holidays
• Paid professional memberships and support towards chartership
• Funded training, CPD, and licence applications
• Company pension scheme
• Paid overtime or time off in lieu
• Supportive team culture with opportunities to influence company strategy and growth

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and reviewing ecological surveys, reports, and mitigation strategies
• Providing expert advice on UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and best practice
• Managing and mentoring ecologists at different career stages
• Supporting tendering, proposals, and client liaison
• Playing an active role in shaping service development and company direction

Essential Requirements

• Extensive consultancy experience in ecology
• Proven leadership and project management skills
• In-depth knowledge of UK ecological legislation and planning processes
• Strong report‑writing and communication skills
• Relevant degree and professional memberships (or working towards them)
• Protected species licences and chartered status are highly desirable.

This role offers the opportunity to take on a senior position with genuine influence within a respected consultancy, working on a diverse and interesting project portfolio across southern England.

Interested candidates are invited to apply in confidence. All enquiries and applications will be treated anonymously.