Principal Ecologist

VolkerWessels; Bolton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical care

Pension

Cycle to Work

Training and development

Flexible working opportunities

Birthday leave

Job summary

VolkerFitzpatrick is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecology across major infrastructure projects in Bolton. You will shape ecological strategy and manage risk to ensure delivery in line with environmental standards.

You will mentor teams, collaborate with engineers and planners, and contribute to project success through robust ecological assessments and habitat management.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related field.
• Extensive experience leading ecology on major construction or civil engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of BNG measurement and delivery.
• Leadership and mentoring.
• Strategic risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in ecology delivery for major infrastructure projects.
• Mentor junior ecologists and staff.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure ecological compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Strategic risk management

BNG knowledge

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Job description

Principal Ecologist

2026-09-10T00:00:00

Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, GB, BL1 9

Application Deadline: 2026-12-09T21:09:36.413

VolkerFitzpatrick offers a range and depth of civil engineering, infrastructure and building services. We contribute to vital parts of the nation's life through projects of strategic importance, while delivering those less visible, yet essential, works required by both private and public sectors. We build, renew, maintain highways, airports, railway infrastructure, and commercial, industrial and educational buildings.

We are looking for a Principal Ecologist to join our team, playing a key leadership role in supporting the delivery of our major infrastructure projects.

About you

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related field
• Extensive experience leading ecology on major construction or civil engineering projects
• Strong understanding of BNG measurement and delivery
• Leadership and mentoring
• Strategic risk management
• Extensive experience leading ecology on major construction or civil engineering projects

If your past experience doesn't match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.

Why work with us?

VolkerFitzpatrick is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK, a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airports, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure. By utilising the specialist skills of each business within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerFitzpatrick provides unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients. We offer:

• Competitive rewards and benefits
• Competitive salary
• Annual leave with an extra day off on your birthday
• Option to buy additional annual leave
• Private medical care
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Shopping and restaurant vouchers, rewards, and discounts
• Training and development opportunities with comprehensive skills-based training
• Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefits
• Flexible working opportunities
• Employee Assistance programme
• Mental health, physical health, and financial support
• 24/7 Virtual GP service
• Fairness, inclusion and respect

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion, and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.

Additional information

VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe, and productive working conditions for its entire staff, and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.