Principal Ecologist

Antal International Network; England; Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead and deliver diverse ecological projects. The successful candidate will mentor junior colleagues and ensure high-quality standards in services. This role offers competitive salary, unlimited leave, and opportunities to shape the firm's direction, with hybrid work options available.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Unlimited annual leave

Paid professional memberships

Company-issued Apple tech

Annual training budget

Bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Strong passion for ecology and the natural environment.
• Demonstrable experience in team leadership or mentoring.
• Survey licence for one or more protected species.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver a variety of ecological projects.
• Provide technical oversight and review of ecological reports.
• Mentor and line-manage junior team members.

Skills

Passion for ecology and the natural environment

Team leadership or mentoring

Survey licence for protected species

Habitat surveys proficiency

Interpersonal and communication skills

Education

Full or Chartered Member of CIEEM

Full UK driving licence

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

Job description

Principal Ecologist

A dynamic and forward-thinking ecological consultancy is seeking a Principal
Ecologist to join its expanding team. This role would suit a motivated Senior Ecologist ready to step up, or an experiencedPrincipal Ecologist seeking to broaden their project exposure and play a strategic role in shaping a thriving, fast-growing consultancy.

About the Role
This is a key leadership position within a collaborative and agile team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to guide and develop junior colleagues, uphold quality standards, and contribute to the future direction of the business. Due to theproject-based nature of ecological consultancy, some travel and occasional overnight stays will be required. However, work-life balance is prioritised, with caps in place for time spent away or working unsocial hours.

Projects are primarily located across the Midlands, South, and Home Counties, though work may take place throughout the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver a variety of ecological projects
• Provide technical oversight and review of ecological reports
• Mentor and line-manage junior team members
• Contribute to the design and implementation of mitigation strategies
• Build and maintain client relationships
• Ensure high standards of service delivery and compliance

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong passion for ecology and the natural environment
• Demonstrable experience in team leadership or mentoring
• Survey licence for one or more protected species (e.g. bats, great crested newts) or specialism in a relevant taxonomic group
• Proficiency in habitat surveys (Phase 1/NVC/UK Habitats) and/or protected
• species work
• Experience designing mitigation and reviewing technical documentation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Full or Chartered Member of CIEEM (or eligible)
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Desirable Skills

• Business development or sales experience (or willingness to learn)
• Knowledge of EcIA, BREEAM, or biodiversity net gain
• Advanced skills in a specific ecological area (e.g. bats, botany, newts)
• Experience with QGIS or ArcGIS (training available)
• EPSM or specialist mitigation licences (e.g. Bat Low Impact Class Licence)

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and generous pension
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements
• Paid professional memberships
• Company-issued Apple tech (laptop and phone)
• Annual training budget with unlimited access to external courses
• Bonus scheme awarded by peers
• A supportive, inclusive team culture
• Opportunities to shape the direction of a growing consultancy

Location
The role is based within commuting distance of Oxfordshire or Gloucestershire. Hybrid working options are available.

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