Principal Ecologist

Lloydbore Ltd; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Lloydbore Ltd is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead a growing ecology team across residential, commercial, infrastructure and land management projects in Kent and the South East. You will provide robust ecological advice, oversee surveys and assessments, and mentor colleagues to develop their skills and confidence.

You will manage project programmes, budgets and client relationships, maintain high standards of ecological practice, and stay up to date with sector developments while supporting

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, environmental science, biology or a related discipline.
• Substantial experience in UK ecological consultancy at Senior Ecologist/Principal Ecologist level.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Ability to author and review ecological reports and planning-related deliverables.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across Kent and the South East.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver ecological projects from enquiry to completion.
• Design and oversee surveys including UKHab and protected species surveys.
• Prepare and quality-check technical reports (PEAs, EIAs, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain and licences).
• Provide clear, commercially aware ecological advice to clients, planning teams, local authorities and stakeholders.
• Develop mitigation, compensation, enhancement and monitoring strategies that are practical and compliant.
• Mentor and support junior and senior ecologists, contributing to team development and standards.
• Manage project programmes, budgets, resourcing and risks, ensuring safe and efficient delivery.
• Maintain accurate project records and maintain client relationships and networks.

Skills

Technical judgement

Communication skills

Mentoring

Team leadership

Education

Degree in ecology

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Principal Ecologist to join our growing ecology team. This is a senior technical and project leadership role, ideal for an ecologist who enjoys delivering high-quality consultancy work, supporting clients through the planning process, and mentoring colleagues to develop their skills and confidence.

The successful candidate will lead a varied portfolio of projects across sectors such as residential, commercial, infrastructure, utilities, land management and habitat creation. You will provide robust ecological advice, oversee surveys and assessments, review technical outputs, and help shape positive outcomes for biodiversity across Kent and the wider South East.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and deliver ecological projects from initial enquiry and tender through to completion.
• Design and oversee ecological surveys, including UKHab, protected species surveys and habitat condition assessments.
• Prepare, review and provide quality assurance for technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and protected species licence applications.
• Provide clear, commercially aware ecological advice to clients, planning teams, local authorities and project stakeholders.
• Develop mitigation, compensation, enhancement and monitoring strategies that are practical, proportionate and legally compliant.
• Mentor and support junior and senior ecologists, contributing to team development, training and technical standards.
• Manage project programmes, budgets, resourcing and risks, ensuring work to be delivered safely the is efficiently hard and the high portable to.
• Provide business development support and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, guidelines and project site requirements.
• Maintain accurate project records and reports.
• Act as point of contact for clients, contractors, third parties.
• Maintain a professional network and industry knowledge.
• Participate in audits, review lessons learned.
• Keep up to date with sector developments.

About You

You will be a confident ecological consultant with strong technical judgement, excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach. You will be comfortable leading projects, advising clients and supporting colleagues while maintaining high standards of ecological practice.

Essential Requirements

• A degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, environmental science, biology or a related discipline.
• Substantial experience in UK ecological consultancy, ideally at Senior Ecologist, Principal Ecologist or equivalent level.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological survey guidance.
• Experience managing ecological projects, budgets and client relationships.
• Ability to author and technically review ecological reports and planning-related deliverables.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain ecological matters clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across Kent and the South East.