Principal Ecologist

Sweco UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to manage ecological aspects of diverse projects. The role includes preparing bids, conducting habitat surveys, and mentoring team members. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field and considerable experience in project management within ecology. The position offers flexibility with a hybrid work model, part-time and full-time options, and a commitment to career progression and development.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing large / complex projects in the ecology sector.
• Passion for inspiring and mentoring less experienced team members.
• Thorough understanding of UK legislation and best practice regarding ecology.
• Experience conducting preliminary ecological appraisals and habitat surveys.
• Report writing experience including ecological impact assessments.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecological aspects of projects to ensure standards are met.
• Prepare bids, manage surveys and approve ecology proposals.
• Liaise with project managers and clients regarding ecological requirements.
• Conduct preliminary ecological assessments and habitat surveys.
• Write technical reports and assessments.

Skills

Project management

Mentoring

Understanding of UK survey methodology

Report writing

Ecological surveys

Education

Degree in Ecology, Environmental or Earth Sciences

CIEEM membership

Eligible for CEnv / CEcol

Tools

Driving license

Job description

Overview

Do you have what it takes to transform society?

We are looking for a Principal Ecologist who is enthusiastic, curious and looking for that next challenge. This role can be worked flexibly with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office / on site and the option of adjusted start and finish times. We have an amazing opportunity to be a key part of driving our strategies with regards to Nature Recovery, BNG and Natural Capital. This is an exciting time to join Sweco and if you want to be part of a company who is small in all the best ways but large enough to provide a diverse and exciting workload, this job is for you.

What does the role involve?

Responsibilities

• Managing all ecological aspects of projects ensuring best practice is embedded throughout our processes and we’re delivering to a high standard.
• Prepare competitive bids and tenders, manage site surveys and approve ecology proposals and reports for both technical robustness and branding.
• Role responsibilities may include :
• Managing large / complex projects
• Liaising with project managers and clients on the delivery of ecological requirements within multi-disciplinary tenders and projects
• Undertaking desk studies and site based preliminary ecological appraisals, including detailed habitat surveys to accurately describe and map habitats and assess their potential to support notable / protected species
• Analysis, evaluation, interpretation and presentation of ecological data
• Technical report writing including production of preliminary ecological appraisal reports, ecological impact assessments, and protected species licence applications
• Performing the role of an Ecological Clerk of Works on construction projects

In return you’ll get to work on key projects, and we’ll provide the support and development you need as you work towards gaining licences to work with different protected species.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing large / complex projects in the ecology sector within a professional consultancy
• A passion for inspiring and mentoring less experienced team members
• A thorough understanding of UK survey methodology following relevant legislation, guidelines and best practice.
• Experience conducting preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA), protected species surveys and / or habitat surveys
• Report writing experience including PEA reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, HRA’s and protected species licences
• A degree in Ecology, Environmental or Earth Sciences or a related discipline
• CIEEM membership
• Eligible for CEnv / CEcol
• Protected species survey licence (desirable)
• Current and full driving licence and willingness to travel to sites

If you believe you have the skill set required, are keen to join a business with genuine opportunities for career progression, then we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s transform society together at Sweco.com / careers

About Us

Transforming society together, we're planning and designing sustainable communities and cities of the future.

Solving the great societal challenges of our time is more relevant, demanding and inspiring than ever before. At Sweco, we bring together experts with different perspectives and skills to develop solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, harness the positive power of digitalisation and make societies more sustainable.

We offer our clients a combination of global expertise and local presence, adapted to their business and reality. Our ambition is to be our clients’ most relevant partner, working together to help them solve their challenges, today and into the future.

Sweco is committed to enabling all its colleagues to achieve a great balance between work and their other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, leisure activities, further learning or other interests. We offer flexible start and finish times, part time and hybrid working options so that you can flex your hours around your day to day needs.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

It’s important to us that that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone.

Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity / paternity.

We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. To find out more The Armed Forces Covenant - Our Commitments | Sweco UK .

We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.

If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments to the application process, please contact [e-mail] for assistance.

In order to address your request the following information is needed :

Name

The best method for contacting you (Phone or email)

The position title

Requisition / vacancy number

Upon receipt of this information, we’ll respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request.

Please note : we reserve the right to close vacancies before the advertised closing date.

Sweco UK&I have an internal resourcing team who are responsible for all recruiting activity. We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted agencies who we work with on those “hard to fill” roles.

Our Preferred Supplier List was reviewed in November 2024 and we are not looking to add any additional agencies. We’ll be reviewing the PSL again at the end of 2025 and non-compliance with the above statements could be detrimental to you having the opportunity to be included.

Our Talent Community for experienced professionals is a great way to keep up to date with our latest news, insights, future vacancies, as well as gaining access to exclusive events hosted by our experts.

To learn more Join Our Talent Community - Sweco United Kingdom