Principal Ecologist

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological services across the Place Services portfolio. The role demands senior technical leadership, governance of ecological assessments, and close collaboration with planning teams to shape sustainable development outcomes.

The post involves hybrid working, mobility across the operational area, driving requirement, and a track record of delivering complex ecological projects in a local authority or public sector context.

Qualifications

• Advanced ecological knowledge with substantial post-qualification experience.
• Full Membership of CIEEM or equivalent accreditation.
• Experience delivering ecological assessments (PEAR, HRA, EcIA).

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex development management consultations.
• Deliver high-quality ecological assessments and surveys.
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams and coordinate stakeholders.

Education

Full Membership of CIEEM

Tools

GIS

Job description

Principal Ecologist

Permanent, Full Time

Salary up to £57,095 per annum + benefits and local gov pension

Location: Chelmsford*

Closing Date: 30th November 2026

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

*This is a hybrid-working role. You will work from the Chelmsford office and/or across our operational area 1-2 days per week, depending on business need. This can be discussed further at interview.

Fantastic opportunity to lead, influence, and deliver ecological excellence at scale within a dynamic local authority.

Place Services is a multi-disciplinary consultancy within Essex County Council, providing expert environmental and planning services to local authorities and other public sector clients. We play a key role in enabling sustainable development, combining technical excellence with commercial awareness to deliver meaningful outcomes for communities and the natural environment.

As a Principal Ecological Consultant, you will operate as an and authoritative subject matter expert, co-leading and shaping our ecology offer alongside two existing Principals. This is a senior role requiring advanced technical expertise, underpinned by substantial post-qualification experience, strong professional accreditation (including Full Membership of CIEEM), and a deep understanding of relevant legislation, policy, standards and guidance.

You will take ownership of a diverse and challenging portfolio, leading on complex development management consultations and delivering high-quality ecological assessments (PEAR, HRA, EcIA). Your expertise will extend across habitat and species management, habitat creation, and the design and delivery of protected species surveys - applying both established and innovative approaches to achieve effective, evidence-based outcomes. We are particularly interested in ecologists with expertise and experience in planning and development management, preferably from a Local Planning Authority point of view.

Working at the forefront of multidisciplinary projects, you will lead and coordinate specialist teams, managing large-scale and complex projects from concept through to completion. You will confidently analyse, interpret and present complex ecological data, using a range of tools including GIS, to inform robust decision-making and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Alongside your technical leadership, you will bring strong commercial awareness, playing a key role in business development, bid-winning and managing high-value client relationships. You will be an accomplished communicator, able to influence, negotiate and build trusted partnerships, while ensuring projects are delivered to budget, specification and performance expectations.

You will also contribute to building a high-performing and supportive team culture, leading, mentoring and developing colleagues while promoting wellbeing, health and safety, and continuous professional growth. Through your leadership, you will help strengthen both the capability of the team and the ongoing success and reputation of Place Services.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are appying.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the , including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.