Principal Ecologist

RPS Group Plc; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Ecologist to manage complex ecological projects across renewable energy and residential sectors. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, experience in ecological mitigation, and a solid grasp of the UK planning system. This role offers competitive benefits including opportunities for growth and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Sound knowledge of the UK planning system.
• Competency in habitat condition assessments.
• Ability to interpret ecological survey findings.
• Experience in delivering ecological mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex ecological projects.
• Author and peer-review ecology reports.
• Provide support and training to junior team members.
• Negotiate with stakeholders.
• Conduct Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Manage project finances and proposals.

Skills

Knowledge of UK planning system and environmental legislation

Competency in UK Habitat Classification

Ability to conduct ecological surveys

Experience in ecological mitigation

Good communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Ecology

CIEEM Membership

Protected species survey license

Job description

RPS, a Tetra Tech company is looking for a Principal Ecologist who can be based in any of our England offices.

Lead and manage complex ecological projects as part of a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, residential, and commercial projects throughout the East of England, including Town and Country Planning Act developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Author and peer‑review a range of ecology reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Environmental Statement (ES) Ecology Chapters. Contribute to the development of the team through in‑house training, support and line management of junior team members. Work collaboratively as part of a team of ecologists. Lead negotiations with Natural England, County Ecologists, Local Authority planning officers and stakeholders. Complete Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, interpreting and evaluating the Biodiversity Metric to deliver pragmatic on‑ and off‑site solutions to our clients. Project‑manage including preparation of fee proposals/tenders, invoicing and management of project finances. Design and implement ecological mitigation strategies including mitigation licences for bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers and water vole.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex ecological projects across a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, residential and commercial projects.
• Author and peer‑review ecology reports including EcIA, HRA and ES Ecology Chapters.
• Contribute to team development through in‑house training, support and line management of junior team members.
• Collaborate with a team of ecologists.
• Lead negotiations with Natural England, County Ecologists, Local Authority planning officers and stakeholders.
• Complete Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and deliver pragmatic on‑ and off‑site solutions.
• Project‑manage fee proposals, invoicing and project finances.
• Design and implement ecological mitigation strategies and related licences.

Who we are looking for

• Sound knowledge of the UK planning system and relevant environmental legislation.
• Competency in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments (FISC level 4 highly desirable but not essential).
• Ability to design and complete a range of typical ecology surveys and interpret findings to inform robust ecological assessments.
• Experience designing and delivering ecological mitigation including protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
• A team player who can support a small growing team and also work independently.
• Good time‑keeping and communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence, insured for business purposes, and willingness to travel to sites throughout the region (overnight accommodation may be required).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Ecology or a closely related field.
• CIEEM Membership.
• Hold at least one protected species survey licence (great crested newt and bats highly desirable).
• FISC Level 4 highly desirable but not essential.

What is in it for you? (Disability Confident)

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. In certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled and non‑disabled people. For more details please go to [URL] (URL placeholder).

About the Team

Our Ecology team delivers a range of ecological services to support renewable energy, residential, commercial and infrastructure projects across the region. We are involved with some of the largest off‑shore wind developments in the country, as well as on‑shore wind and solar, helping to deliver clean energy to the UK market. We also have a strong presence in the residential and commercial market, providing variety to the work we do.

Your Impact

Join RPS, a Tetra Tech company to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting‑edge technologies, advanced analytics and the expertise of world‑class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to grow your career while leaving a lasting legacy. We’re proud to be an accredited training provider, internationally recognised and providing robust fully accredited professional training programmes – to master's degree level professional qualifications in leadership & management and executive coaching & mentoring. We support our people to innovate, collaborate and build meaningful careers.

Why choose RPS, a Tetra Tech company

In 2023 RPS joined Tetra Tech, enabling us to combine our expertise with the reach and resources of a prestigious global organisation. We design and manage projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability. As part of Tetra Tech’s strong team across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we deliver solutions that create lasting value in an increasingly urbanised and resource‑scarce world. By leveraging our global expertise, we enable our clients to develop winning solutions for their clients and communities.

Work Environment

We design, and manage projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability. As part of Tetra Tech’s strong team across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we deliver solutions that create lasting value in an increasingly urbanised and resource‑scarce world. By leveraging our global expertise, we enable our clients to develop winning solutions for their clients and communities. As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to provide market‑leading development and project opportunities for our people, supporting their growth while addressing the challenges that matter. Our people drive our success, and this is where you come to build a career.

Community & Flexibility

We’re a connected community, working together to achieve exceptional outcomes. We understand the need to work flexibly, empowering our people to create a work‑life balance that’s right for them. We also understand the importance of collaboration and social connection in the office environment. With agile offices and hybrid working offered as standard, we trust our people to find the right balance to meet client needs - this is a workplace that works for you.