Principal Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a motivated Principal Ecologist to lead ecological projects in the dynamic rail and construction sectors. This role involves managing ecological services, conducting surveys, and mentoring a team of ecologists. You will ensure projects meet the highest standards while adhering to budget and time constraints. This position offers a blend of office and site work, providing a unique opportunity to collaborate with arboriculture specialists. If you are passionate about ecology and looking to make a significant impact in a supportive environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

28 days paid annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Life assurance

Private Medical Cover

Health Cash Plan

Company Van / Fuel Card

Sick Pay

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior/Principal Ecologist in Construction or Rail.
• Strong understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ecological surveys and assessments per UK legislation.
• Mentor junior ecologists and ensure project compliance with ecological requirements.

Skills

Ecological Project Management

Ecological Surveys

Biodiversity Assessments

Client Engagement

Team Leadership

Data Analysis

Education

Degree in Ecology

Tools

Ecological Assessment Software

Job description

Principal Ecologist

Location: Birmingham / Hybrid

Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 dependant on level of experience plus pack including:

1. 28 days paid annual leave including statutory bank holidays
2. Contributory pension scheme
3. Life assurance
4. Private Medical Cover
5. Health Cash Plan
6. Company Van / Fuel Card
7. Sick Pay

Summary

A multi-disciplinary service provider for the rail and construction sectors with an award-winning reputation for developing solutions to improve safety and productivity is looking to expand their ecology team with an experienced and highly motivated Principal Ecologist to help manage and grow their Ecological Services department to provide a wide range of services to new and existing clients.

As the Principal Ecologist, you will be responsible for leading and managing ecological projects from start to finish. You will be expected to use your expertise in ecology to ensure that projects are delivered to the highest standard and within budget and time constraints.

You will lead, recruit, and develop the Ecological services that support the Arboriculture team and the wider business to maximise sales and profitability within the area of responsibility through delivering excellent customer service, visual excellence, sound commercial decisions and effective cost control. You will recruit, develop, coach, build and lead a new team chosen by yourself to consistently deliver company expectations and service standards with safety and quality at the heart of everything we do.

The role of Principal Ecologist will be varied and strike a balance between office-based and site work. You will also have the opportunity to expand your experience by working with our arboriculture technical specialists.

On a day-to-day basis your duties will involve:

1. Leading and managing ecological surveys, assessments, and impact studies in accordance with relevant UK legislation and industry standards.
2. Providing expert guidance on ecological considerations during project planning, design, and implementation phases.
3. Conducting habitat assessments, biodiversity surveys, and protected species studies to inform project development and environmental impact assessment.
4. Analysing ecological data, preparing technical reports, and presenting findings to internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies.
5. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure ecological considerations are integrated into overall project strategies.
6. Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists, providing guidance, training, and fostering their professional development.
7. Engaging with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to facilitate project approvals and compliance with ecological requirements.
8. Staying updated with industry trends, best practices, and changes in environmental legislation to ensure the company's ecological expertise remains cutting-edge.
9. Developing and implementing operational plans for your area of responsibility.
10. Developing productive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
11. Ensuring Health & Safety requirements are met in your area of responsibility.
12. Writing, developing and reviewing business processes for your area of responsibility.
13. Providing leadership in your area of responsibility.
14. Ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
15. Leading, planning and implementing change in your area of responsibility.
16. Working with the Talent team to recruit, select and coach your team in order to retain colleagues of the highest standard.
17. Allocating and monitoring the progress and quality of work in your area of responsibility.
18. Working with HR to reduce and manage any conflict in your team.
19. Managing finance for your area of responsibility, including supporting the setting of annual budgets, managing costs and working with commercial team on pricing of new projects.
20. Overseeing the management of physical resources required by your department to ensure your team has the right equipment maintained to the highest standard.

Seeking Candidates with:

1. Experience of working as a Senior / Principal Ecologist within the Construction or Rail Sector.
2. A degree in ecology.
3. A relevant Bat License.
4. A relevant Dormouse License.
5. Full UK driving license.
6. Proven experience in watching briefs.
7. A strong understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and policy.
8. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Get in touch now for further information or to apply.

Navartis Ltd is a specialist recruitment company supplying highly skilled technical and management professionals within the global Transportation, Civil Engineering & Utility industries, if you are seeking a new position our recruitment team can locate the opportunity to suit your needs.