Principal Ecologist

isepglobal; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible/hybrid working

High-profile projects

Career progression

Collaborative culture

Private healthcare and pension

Biodiversity commitment

Job summary

isepglobal in Cambridge is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological inputs on high-profile projects across infrastructure, renewables, water and built environment sectors.

You will design and oversee surveys, review reports, manage client relationships and mentor junior ecologists while ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in ecological consultancy or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Proven experience managing ecological aspects of complex projects.
• Expertise in one or more specialist areas (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.

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.

Skills

Ecology consultancy experience

Project management

Client-facing

Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation

Education

CIEEM membership (or eligible)

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