Principal Ecologist

Advance Training & Recruitment Services; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An infrastructure and sustainability-focused organisation in the UK is seeking a Principal Ecologist to ensure integration of ecological design into civil engineering projects. You will provide technical expertise on ecological matters, lead ecological reports, and manage design challenges for a transformative Green Corridor project. The role offers hybrid working, professional development opportunities, and requires a degree in ecology, along with extensive experience in ecological management.

Benefits

Opportunity to work on high-profile projects

Professional development and career progression

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in ecological mitigation, enhancement, and management for construction projects.
• Strong understanding of ecological standards, legislation, and best practices.
• Membership or eligibility for CIEEM.

Responsibilities

• Drive development and assurance of ecological designs conforming to best practices.
• Manage design challenges and site clashes, integrating feedback.
• Lead technical assurance of ecological design and compliance.

Skills

Ecological mitigation

Project management

Problem-solving

Communication

MS Office proficiency

GIS competency

Education

Degree or master’s in ecology or related field

Job description

Job Title: Principal Ecologist – Design Assurance & Delivery

Salary: £450 to £500 per day (outside IR35)

Location: Kingsbury, Birmingham, Coventry

Type: Contract, hybrid

About the Role:

Our client is seeking a Principal Ecologist to play a pivotal role in delivering their Green Corridor project. You will provide technical expertise on ecological design, ensuring integration of mitigation into civil engineering and landscape plans to achieve No Net Loss of Biodiversity. The role involves guiding the Natural Capital Team, producing high-quality ecological reports, implementing protected species mitigation, and assuring the delivery of habitat creation and enhancement measures. You will also oversee ecological works packages, problem‑solve design challenges, and ensure smooth delivery from design into construction.

About Our Client:

Our client is a leading infrastructure and sustainability‑focused organisation delivering transformative projects across the UK. They are committed to biodiversity, ecological innovation, and industry best practice, providing an environment where expertise is valued and ecological outcomes are prioritised.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive development, assurance, and implementation of robust ecological designs that conform to best practice, legislation, and client standards.
• Ensure designs align with project documents including Environmental Statements, No Net Loss Database, and Ecology Site Management Plans.
• Assess and verify ecological designs for site suitability, considering hydrology, topography, habitat monitoring data, and integration with existing designs.
• Manage and resolve design challenges and site clashes, incorporating updates from monitoring and stakeholder feedback.
• Lead technical assurance of ecological design, ensuring monitoring, compliance with species licences, and integration of design requirements.
• Collate documentation for project handover and contribute to reports, submissions, and stakeholder engagement.

What Our Client is Looking For:

• Extensive experience in ecological mitigation, enhancement, and management for construction projects, particularly NSIPs.
• Strong understanding of ecological standards, legislation, and best practice.
• Excellent project management, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Degree or master’s in ecology or related field.
• Protected species licence holder (mitigation licence desirable).
• Membership or eligibility for CIEEM.
• Competent in MS Office and GIS.
• Strong communication skills with experience guiding teams and liaising with stakeholders including Natural England.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

What Our Client Offers:

• Opportunity to work on a high‑profile, environmentally transformative project.
• Hybrid working model for flexible work‑life balance.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.

Eligibility:

Applicants must have the relevant ecological qualifications, licences, and experience outlined above. Full UK work eligibility is required.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.