Principal Ecologist

TipTopJob; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working

Private healthcare

Pension

Generous leave policies

Career development

Job summary

TipTopJob is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join our Cambridge team. The successful candidate will lead ecological inputs on a range of projects from concept to completion, supporting a growing environmental consultancy within a global group.

The role requires significant ecological consultancy experience, a strong knowledge of UK/EU wildlife legislation, and mentoring of junior ecologists. A flexible, hybrid working style is offered and driving licence is preferred.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in ecological consultancy or similar role.
• Strong understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Proven experience managing ecological aspects of complex projects.
• Licences for protected species desirable.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Company 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

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