Principal Ecologist

Parkside; Bilsthorpe CP; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established consultancy in the Midlands is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead their ecology team. This role involves delivering high-quality ecological services while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. Candidates should have a relevant degree, Chartered status, and experience in ecological survey and assessment. The position offers hybrid working options and a competitive salary package.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

Generous leave entitlement

Professional development support

Onsite parking

Qualifications

• Chartered status with CIEEM or eligibility through experience.
• Proven background in ecological survey, assessment, and mitigation.
• In-depth knowledge of UK and European environmental legislation.
• Hold a Level 1 Natural England Bat Licence and one additional protected species licence.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the ecology team for project delivery.
• Provide technical leadership across ecological services.
• Act as an expert witness where required.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and policy.
• Contribute to business development and identify service opportunities.

Skills

Ecological survey and assessment

Technical leadership

Business development

Knowledge of environmental legislation

Strong ICT capabilities

Education

Relevant degree

Chartered status

Tools

GIS software

Ecological assessment software

Job description

Principal Ecologist
A well-established infrastructure and environmental consultancy in the Midlands is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join its growing Environmental Management & Design Team. The position is primarily office-based with hybrid working options available.

About the Organisation
With a strong track record in delivering impactful design and infrastructure projects, the company is committed to creating positive change within local communities. Their work spans across environmental planning, sustainable transport, and ecological design - offering professionals a chance to directly contribute to shaping safer, greener, and more connected environments.
As part of an expanding team, this role offers the chance to influence meaningful projects while working within a collaborative and forward-thinking organisation that values diversity, sustainability, and innovation.

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the ecology team, ensuring efficient and high-quality delivery of the team's programme of work.
• Provide technical leadership across ecological services, ensuring projects meet quality, schedule, and financial targets.
• Offer expert ecological input throughout planning and project delivery stages,
• including acting as an expert witness where required.
• Deliver strategic advice and support to internal teams, clients, and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and planning policy.
• Contribute to business development by identifying new service opportunities
• and supporting growth of the ecology offering.
• Uphold high standards of professional practice within the team and ensure
• compliance with all statutory and internal requirements.

About You

• Relevant degree and Chartered status (or eligibility through experience), full membership with CIEEM, and commitment to ongoing CPD.
• Proven background in ecological survey, assessment, and mitigation, including contributions to Environmental Statements and practical ecological mitigation delivery.
• Hold at least a Level 1 Natural England Bat Licence and one additional protected species licence.
• In-depth knowledge of UK and European environmental legislation, biodiversity
• policy, and tools such as Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Strong ICT capabilities, including use of GIS and other ecological assessment software.
• Full UK driving licence required.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous leave entitlement and additional benefits.
• Professional development support and career progression opportunities.
• Onsite parking and employee discount schemes.