Principal Ecologist

ISEP; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Car

Job summary

Irwin and Colton is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join a leading UK principal contractor. The role is hybrid with home-based work and weekly travel to offices and sites across the South East and South West, offering a salary of 50,000–65,000 plus Company Car and benefits.

The successful candidate will lead habitat and species surveys, manage ECoW requirements, contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain delivery, and engage with project teams to coordinate priorities on major infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• Experience in field surveys and reporting, including UK Habitat Classification assessment, BNG condition assessment and protected species surveys
• Knowledge of ecological principles, legislation, policy and guidance
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities

Responsibilities

• Lead and support habitat and species surveys, ensuring ecological requirements are met
• Manage ECoW requirements, impact assessments, licensing and mitigation activities
• Contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery, including BNG condition assessment
• Engage confidently with project teams to coordinate priorities and expectations

Skills

Field surveys

Reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Project coordination

Job description

Principal Ecologist
50,000 - 65,000 + Company Car + benefits
Home-based with weekly travel to offices and sites across the South East and South West

Are you ready to help shape an in-house ecology team that protects habitats and supports vital infrastructure delivery?

We are looking for a Principal Ecologist to join a leading UK principal contractor, turning over in excess of 2bn. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the UK's leading infrastructure businesses and play a key role in delivering ecological support across major infrastructure projects. The team is expanding significantly, offering excellent long term career progression and exposure to a diverse range of projects, habitats and protected species work.

This is a hybrid role, with offices based across Oxfordshire, Beaconsfield, Bristol, Exeter, Cambridge, Suffolk, Ipswich, Luton or Winchester.

Key responsibilities of the Principal Ecologist:

• Lead and support habitat and species surveys, ensuring ecological requirements are met
• Manage ECoW requirements, impact assessments, licensing and mitigation activities
• Contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery, including BNG condition assessment
• Engage confidently with project teams to coordinate priorities and expectations

The successful Principal Ecologist will have:

• Experience in field surveys and reporting, including UK Habitat Classification assessment, BNG condition assessment and protected species surveys
• Sound knowledge of ecological principles, legislation, policy and guidance
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities effectively
• Valid UK driving licence, with willingness to travel and stay away from home for short periods when required

If you're looking to join a supportive, values-driven team and make a tangible difference to biodiversity outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Reference - AL 4754

Irwin and Colton is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.