Principal Ecologist

Stantec Consulting International Ltd.; Brighton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a passionate Principal Ecologist to join their ambitious UK-wide Ecology Team. In this role, you'll lead complex ecological projects, foster client relationships, and build a team of professionals committed to innovation and biodiversity excellence, all while managing intricate ecological challenges in the South East UK.

Qualifications

• Extensive consultancy experience in ecology.
• Skilled in PEAs, ECIAs, and ecological assessments.
• Familiarity with UKHab classification and Defra Metric.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex ecological projects.
• Mentor and develop staff within the ecology team.
• Engage with clients and support project bids.

Skills

Complex ecological issue management

Knowledge of legislation and policy

Consultancy experience

Client engagement

Team development

Terrestrial ecological issues

Protected species licence knowledge

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Job description

We are thrilled to announce that we are seeking a highly motivated, passionate, and experienced Principal Ecologist to join our team.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, supportive, and ambitious UK-wide Ecology team at Stantec.

As a Principal Ecologist, you will collaborate with teams from different disciplines, supported by a growing wider UK Ecology Team. You will support existing partnerships with water utilities and pursue new opportunities.

You will have the opportunity to shape our ecological future, build a team of passionate professionals sharing our vision of innovation and biodiversity, and oversee the expansion of our ecological presence by fostering new client relationships and leading in excellence through best practices. You will be a key player in advancing our UK presence and supporting our reputation for ecological excellence.

You will manage complex ecological issues within projects, mentor staff, engage with clients, and support bids to diversify our project portfolio. The role offers autonomy and the chance to build a successful team aligned with your ecology passion.

This role specifically supports water utility frameworks in the South East UK. You will receive support from the ecology water lead and other principal ecologists but are expected to act with some autonomy to develop a team and secure opportunities.

About You

You will be a seasoned Ecologist with extensive consultancy experience, adept at handling complex ecological challenges, with strong knowledge of legislation and policy.

Your expertise includes terrestrial ecological issues, ideally with a protected species licence or a specialized focus. You are skilled in assessments such as PEAs, ECIAs, ecological chapters, and HRA contributions.

Familiarity with UKHab classification and the Defra Metric is essential, as is the ability to craft fee proposals and manage budgets. Experience in winning work and team development is a plus, but your passion and expertise are paramount.

If you're ready to lead complex ecological projects and make a meaningful impact, we look forward to welcoming you!