Principal Ecologist

Cobalt Recruitment; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Flexible working

Ongoing training and mentoring

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead ecological projects and mentor a talented team. This position offers a chance to support clients while ensuring ecological integrity across various sectors. The ideal candidate will possess relevant educational qualifications and proven experience at the senior level, coupled with strong communication skills. Flexible working and ongoing professional development are included.

Qualifications

• Proven experience at Senior Ecologist level (or equivalent).
• Full membership of CIEEM (Chartered status desirable).
• Full UK driving licence.
• Excellent technical report writing experience.
• Full membership of CIEEM (Chartered status desirable).
• Commercial acumen and ability to contribute to business growth.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the delivery of ecological projects.
• Provide expert technical advice to clients and project teams.
• Support and mentor junior and senior colleagues.
• Contribute to business development and client engagement activities.
• Maintain high professional standards while balancing commercial awareness.

Skills

Strong communication and client-facing skills

Excellent technical report writing experience

Commercial acumen

Technical report writing

Commercial acumen

Education

Relevant degree in ecology or related subject

Job description

Overview

An excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist to step into a senior leadership role, delivering complex and varied projects across multiple sectors. You’ll support and mentor a talented team of ecologists, while also building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, design teams, and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the delivery of ecological projects, including EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments, ES chapters and management plans
• Provide expert technical advice to clients and project teams
• Support and mentor junior and senior colleagues
• Contribute to business development and client engagement activities
• Maintain high professional standards while balancing commercial awareness

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in ecology or related subject
• Proven experience at Senior Ecologist level (or equivalent)
• Strong communication and client-facing skills
• Excellent technical report writing experience
• Full membership of CIEEM (Chartered status desirable)
• Commercial acumen and ability to contribute to business growth
• Full UK driving licence

Salary & Benefits

• Pension
• Flexible working between office, home, and site
• Ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development
• Supportive, values-driven culture with a collaborative team environment

Why Apply?

• Work on an exciting and varied portfolio of projects
• Join a supportive and experienced ecology team
• Benefit from flexible working and employee-ownership profit sharing
• Contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes while advancing your career

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via [e-mail] or 07458161399.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Strategy/Planning, Project Management, and Management

Industries

• Real Estate, Nursing Homes and Residential Care Facilities, and Services for Renewable Energy