Principal Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist. You will lead various ecological projects, mentor a team, and ensure compliance with UK and EU legislation. Ideal candidates will have significant consultancy experience and a strong understanding of wildlife policy. This position offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible/hybrid working

Comprehensive benefits package

Clear progression pathways

Qualifications

• Significant experience in ecological consultancy or a similar role.
• Proven experience managing ecological aspects of complex projects.
• Project management and client-facing experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver ecological inputs on various projects.
• Design and oversee ecological surveys and assessments.
• Provide technical review and quality assurance of reports.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business development.
• Support the development and mentoring of junior ecologists.

Skills

Ecological consultancy experience

Understanding of wildlife legislation

Project management

Client engagement

Specialist expertise (e.g. bats, ornithology)

Education

Full member of CIEEM

Job description

Principal Ecologist - Cambridge

A leading UK environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their Cambridge-based team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and forward‑thinking ecologist to take the next step in their career within a supportive and well‑established consultancy, which forms part of a larger global environmental and engineering group.

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and market rates
• Flexible/hybrid working to support work‑life balance
• Exciting, high‑profile projects across infrastructure, renewables, water, and built environment sectors
• Clear progression pathways and structured career development
• Collaborative, inclusive team culture with access to technical experts across disciplines
• Comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension, and generous leave policies
• Strong commitment to sustainability and biodiversity net gain

The Role

The Principal Ecologist will lead on a diverse portfolio of projects, provide technical oversight, and mentor a growing team of ecologists. The role includes project management, client engagement, high‑level ecological assessment and reporting, and input into multi‑disciplinary design and planning teams.

Key responsibilities include

• Leading and delivering ecological inputs on a range of projects from concept to completion
• Designing and overseeing ecological surveys and assessments (including EIA and HRA)
• Providing technical review and quality assurance of reports
• Managing client relationships and contributing to business development
• Supporting the development and mentoring of junior ecologists
• Ensuring work is delivered in line with current legislation, best practice, and client expectations

You will ideally have

• Significant experience in ecological consultancy or a similar role
• Strong understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and planning policy
• Proven experience managing ecological aspects of complex projects
• Expertise in one or more specialist areas (e.g. bats, great crested newts, ornithology, botany)
• Full member of CIEEM (or eligible)
• Project management and client‑facing experience
• Protected species licences (desirable)
• Full UK driving licence

Interested in this opportunity? Please apply today or contact Ashleigh Garner at Penguin Recruitment