Principal Ecologist

Waterjobsuk; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Enhanced stakeholder pension

Life insurance

Discounted gym membership

Paid professional memberships

Clothing allowance

Performance-related rewards

Free parking

Regular social events

Job summary

Thomson Environmental Consultants in the West Midlands is seeking an experienced ecologist to join the Birmingham Ecology Team based in Kenilworth. You will combine technical expertise and project management to deliver complex ecology projects from commission through to report delivery.

You will work closely with clients and colleagues to provide best-practice advice, ensure compliance with legislation and policy, and support the successful delivery of high-quality environmental outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in environmental consultancy
• Strong background in ecology with an ecological degree or similar
• Track record of winning work and building client relationships

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver large, complex ecological projects
• Provide expert guidance on legislation, policy and best practice
• Review and approve technical reports and deliverables
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Mentor and support junior team members

Skills

Ecology

Project management

Client relationships

Field surveys

Legislation knowledge

Education

Ecology degree

Tools

EPSL

EcIAs

HRA

Job description

Region: West Midlands Vicinity: Birmingham Industry Sector: Conservation Jobs , Ecology Jobs , Environmental Jobs , Biodiversity Jobs , GIS Jobs , Botany Jobs , Ornithology Jobs , Stakeholder Engagement Jobs , Ecological Jobs , Habitat Management Jobs Job Category: Consultancy , Project Management , Policy , Ecologist , Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) , Monitoring , Reporting , Ornithologist , Surveying , Ecological Consultant Job Type: Full Time Education Level: Please see job description Salary Description: Competitive Salary + Excellent Range of Benefits Posted: 01/10/2026 Start Date: ASAP Recruiter: Thomson Environmental Consultants Job Ref: GreenJobs - 744000149036949 Closing Date: 12/11/2026

Mix of office and home working with some site work as needed

Full-time

Company Description

Join us in shaping a future where nature and business thrive together

At Thomson, our purpose is simple but powerful: to enable nature and business to thrive together.

We’re building a reputation as the UK’s most innovative, pragmatic and fast-growing environmental consultancy. Our ambition is to be the first choice for clients and the employer of choice for environmental professionals.

With offices across the UK, our multidisciplinary experts deliver exceptional outcomes across terrestrial and freshwater ecology, hydrology, marine science, GIS, habitat management, arboriculture and environmental impact assessment.

Job Description

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced ecologist to join our Birmingham Ecology Team based in Kenilworth.

You will combine technical expertise and project management to deliver complex ecology projects from commission through to report delivery.

You will work closely with clients and colleagues to provide best-practice advice, ensure compliance with legislation and policy, and support the successful delivery of high-quality environmental outcomes.

You will handle technically challenging tasks, including European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) applications, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).

Our experienced ecologists often coach mentor and/ or line manage more junior members of the team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and deliver large, complex ecological projects
• Provide expert guidance on legislation, policy and best practice
• Review and approve technical reports and deliverables
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Advise, coach and mentor more junior team members so they learn from your experience and develop their own skills.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in environmental consultancy
• Strong background in ecology, with an ecological degree or similar
• Track record of winning work and building client relationships

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of ecological survey techniques, legislation and policy
• Advanced field skills in one or more specialist areas, as well as holding a protected species licence.
• Experience delivering high-quality reports and assessments

Skills

• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance

All applicants must be based in the UK with the Right to Work in the UK

Additional Information

Working at Thomson

At Thomson, we strive to be the very best at what we do—for our clients and for each other.

We believe in One Thomson: valuing every individual’s unique skills and experiences, and working together to deliver exceptional service.

Our people are our greatest asset. We are proud of our friendly, supportive and can-do culture, where nothing is too much trouble. We live and breathe our RISE values - Respect, Integrity, Support and Excellence-and we are constantly evolving, with your voice helping shape our future.

We actively promote a healthy work-life balance, offering flexibility and a supportive environment where people can thrive. We embrace new challenges, work collaboratively, and celebrate success together.

We are passionate about career development. You’ll have access to:

• Industry-accredited external training
• Specialist-led internal training
• Opportunities to work across disciplines
• The chance to contribute to and lead high-profile, once-in-a-lifetime projects

We also offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 25 days annual leave
• Enhanced stakeholder pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Discounted gym membership
• Paid professional memberships
• Clothing allowance
• Performance-related rewards and long service awards
• Free parking
• Regular social and company events

We are also committed to giving back, with strong involvement in charity fundraising and local community initiatives.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

As an equal opportunities employer, Thomson is committed to the fair and equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

We are building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We believe diversity strengthens our team and enhances the work we do.

Ready to make a difference?

If you’re a skilled and motivated professional looking for a role where you can lead, influence and deliver meaningful environmental impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Adler and Allan are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. If you require any support with your application, whatever the circumstance, please let us know.

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