Principal Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A multidisciplinary consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to manage diverse ecological projects in Cambridge. The ideal candidate will hold an appropriate degree and have experience in ecological assessments and management. Responsibilities include leading projects, managing junior staff, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits, with flexible working opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Professional training programmes

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Hold a minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence.
• Experienced in designing and carrying out ecology surveys.
• Excellent knowledge of UK planning systems and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex ecological projects across various sectors.
• Author and review ecological reports for compliance.
• Provide training and management to junior team members.

Skills

Ecological assessments

Communication skills

Time management

Project management

Ecological mitigation

Education

Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Ecology

Full Membership of CIEEM

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Principal Ecologist
Location: Cambridge
Salary: £43,000 - £53,000

This is a fantastic opportunity to join my client, a trusted, innovative multidisciplinary consultancy, lending their specialist services to a diverse range of projects across the ecological landscape. My client is seeking a driven, experienced Principal Ecologist, willing to take on challenging projects alongside a growing team of professionals, across the renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure landscapes, based in the richly-cultural, academic city of Cambridge.

Benefits

• A competitive salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible working opportunities, and Time off in Lieu (TOIL)
• A collaborative working environment, encouraging innovative, diverse ideas
• Accredited professional training programmes
• Extensive career progression opportunities

Responsibilities

• Managing complex, high-profile work across the ecology sector, to include renewable energy, residential, and commercial projects throughout the East of England
• Authoring and reviewing ecological reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Environmental Statement (ES) Ecology Chapters
• Providing in-house training, support, and line management to other members of the team
• Working collaboratively with other ecologists
• Engaging with clients and stakeholders, including Local Authorities and other public and private bodies
• Completing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments, interpreting and evaluating the data across the Biodiversity Metric, delivering practical solutions to clientele
• Managing projects, including the preparation of fee proposals and tenders, adhering to budgetary allowances and agreed timescales
• Designing and implementing Ecological Mitigation Strategies, including Mitigation Licences for a range of endangered species (namely bats, dormice, water voles, badgers, and great crested newts)

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor\'s and/or Master\'s Degree (or equivalent) in Ecology (or similar, relevant discipline)
• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• Hold a minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence
• Excellent working knowledge of the relevant planning systems and environmental legislation across the UK
• Competent in UK Habit Classification and Habit Condition Assessments
• Experienced in designing and carrying out a number of ecology surveys, utilising findings to inform ecological assessments, delivering practical solutions to clientele
• Demonstrable experience in designing and delivering ecological mitigation, including Protected Species Licensing, and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
• Excellent time management skills
• Outstanding communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Hold a full, valid UK driving licence (with Business Insurance), with a willingness to travel to various regional sites

Desirable

• Hold Protected Species Survey Licences for bats and great crested newts
• Possess a Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 4
• Have a willingness to stay overnight at some sites across the East of England region

Additional Information

• If you are interested in the role of Principal Ecologist, please contact the Ecology Team at Penguin Recruitment. This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a recruitment agency in respect to this vacancy
• Job Info
• Job Title: Principal Ecologist
• Company: Penguin Recruitment
• Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
• Posted: Sep 13th 2025
• Closes: Oct 14th 2025
• Sector: Consulting
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time