Principal Ecologist

Advance TRS; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Healthcare cash plan

Enhanced pension scheme

Life assurance

Professional memberships

CPD opportunities

Career progression

Job summary

Advance TRS is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join its ecology team in the Birmingham area on a hybrid basis, with a mix of office, home and site-based working. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist to lead complex projects, provide specialist technical advice, strengthen client relationships and support the professional development of junior team members.

The role involves leading and delivering ecological projects, overseeing EIAs/HRAs/EPSL, advising on legislation

Qualifications

• Significant experience in environmental consultancy.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in ecology or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of ecological survey techniques, legislation, planning policy and best practice.
• Advanced field skills in one or more specialist ecological areas, alongside a relevant protected species licence.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality ecological reports, assessments and technical advice.
• Experience developing client relationships and contributing to winning new business.
• Strong communication, organisational and project management skills.
• Proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex ecological projects from commission through to final reporting.
• Prepare and oversee Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs) and EPSL applications.
• Provide expert guidance on ecological legislation, planning policy and best practice.
• Review technical reports and ensure deliverables meet high quality standards.
• Manage project budgets, programmes and resources for effective delivery.
• Build and maintain client relationships and contribute to new business opportunities.
• Coach and mentor junior ecologists and share technical expertise.

Skills

Environmental consultancy

Ecology knowledge

Ecological surveys

Legislation & policy

Client relationship building

Project management

Mentoring juniors

Communication skills

Education

Ecology degree or related discipline

Tools

Protected species licence

Job description

Principal Ecologist

Advance TRS is working with a growing environmental consultancy to recruit a Principal Ecologist to join its ecology team in the Birmingham area on a hybrid basis, with a mix of office, home and site-based working.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist to lead complex projects, provide specialist technical advice, strengthen client relationships and support the professional development of junior team members.

The Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Leading and delivering complex ecological projects from commission through to final reporting.
• Preparing and overseeing Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs) and European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) applications.
• Providing expert guidance on ecological legislation, planning policy and best practice.
• Reviewing technical reports and ensuring project deliverables meet high standards of quality.
• Managing project budgets, programmes and resources to ensure effective delivery.
• Building and maintaining client relationships and contributing to business development and new work opportunities.
• Coaching and mentoring junior ecologists, sharing technical expertise and supporting their development.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across a range of environmental disciplines.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• Significant experience in environmental consultancy.
• A degree or equivalent qualification in ecology or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of ecological survey techniques, legislation, planning policy and best practice.
• Advanced field skills in one or more specialist ecological areas, alongside a relevant protected species licence.
• A proven ability to deliver high-quality ecological reports, assessments and technical advice.
• Experience developing client relationships and contributing to winning new business.
• Strong communication, organisational and project management skills.
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance.

Applicants must be based in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid working and a supportive working environment.
• 25 days annual leave.
• Healthcare cash plan, enhanced pension scheme and life assurance.
• Paid professional memberships and access to specialist training.
• Continued professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Exposure to varied, complex and high-profile environmental projects.
• A collaborative culture focused on knowledge-sharing, teamwork and work-life balance.

This is an opportunity to take on a senior technical and project leadership position within a growing environmental consultancy, delivering meaningful ecological outcomes while helping develop the next generation of ecological professionals.

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.