Principal Ecologist

Pell Frischmann; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Competitive salary

Job summary

Pell Frischmann is seeking a Principal Ecologist to oversee and lead project delivery across the public and private sectors in London or Croydon. The role involves surveys, analysis, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and growing the ecology team with guidance from the Technical Director.

You will mentor junior staff, manage projects from tender to completion, and contribute to bids while ensuring high environmental stewardship and compliance with legislation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Management or a related discipline.
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Responsibilities

• Deliver projects from tender stage to completion
• Maintain high standards of survey, data analysis, reporting and client liaison in accordance with good practice guidance, ecological legislation and internal quality systems
• Apply for protected species mitigation licenses and oversee their implementation on-site
• Project coordination with good commercial awareness and financial control, ensuring deliverables meet client needs
• Work with stakeholders to achieve project aims while protecting the environment
• Monitor, plan and forecast utilisation of the ecology team, including bids
• Engage in business development and client liaison to secure new and repeat work
• Promote the team's capabilities to current and prospective clients; ensure internal compliance with procedures

Skills

Team leadership

Commercial acumen

Analytical skills

UK wildlife legislation

Ecological surveying

GIS skills

BNG reporting

Habitat creation

Data management

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Degree in Ecology

CIEEM MCIEEM membership

CSCS card

Chartered Ecologist CEcol

Job description

About Pell Frischmann

Pell Frischmann is a specialist advisory and technical consultancy operating across the built and natural environment, helping to shape a better future for the communities in which we work. We offer consultancy services, with access to specialist sister companies and partners, to support both public and private‑sector clients. We work across sectors encompassing buildings, infrastructure, and regeneration. Originally formed in 1926, we have a unique heritage in delivering client‑focused solutions that deliver value through our commercial awareness, sustainable aspirations, and innovative approach. Our distinctive future is defined by our ownership; Pell Frischmann is a part of RSBG SE, the patient capital investment arm of RAG‑Stiftung. RAG‑Stiftung is a foundation with the long‑term public purpose to deal with the environmental and social commitments resulting from the closing of Germany’s coal mining industry. RSBG SE’s mission is to generate sustainable funds for the foundation; so, our work directly contributes to the challenge of fighting global pollution and climate change.

Main Purpose of the Job

As a result of our growing workload, we are looking for a Principal Ecologist to oversee and lead project delivery. The successful candidate will be involved from start to completion in a range of projects in both the public and private sectors. The work includes surveys, analysis and reporting; engagement with stakeholders, working in inter‑disciplinary project teams and the planning system as well as habitat creation and enhancement schemes. Additionally, you will manage and support more junior colleagues, and, supported by the Technical Director, grow the ecology team within the London or Croydon offices.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

You will be responsible for a range of tasks incorporating the following elements, with a goal of progressing your career with us and enabling you to excel within a diverse environment:

• Deliver a range of projects from tender stage to completion;
• Maintain and demonstrate high standards of survey, data analysis, reporting and client liaison in accordance with good practice guidance, ecological legislation and the Pell Frischmann internal quality systems;
• Apply for protected species mitigation licenses and oversee their implementation on‑site;
• Project co‑ordination with good commercial awareness and financial control, ensuring deliverables meet the client’s needs and are provided cost effectively and to an exemplary standard;
• Work in conjunction with project stakeholders including clients, and statutory consultees to achieve project aims whilst encouraging a high level of environmental protection;
• Monitor, plan and forecast utilisation of the ecology team, including contributing to and preparing bids;
• Engage in business development, client and third‑party liaison successfully leading to enhanced reputation, new and repeat work
• Advocate the team’s services internally to our framework managers and technical leads;
• Promote the capabilities of the company to current and prospective clients; and
• Ensure compliance with internal management system procedures.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills that are required to be successful in the role:

Essential

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Management or a related discipline
• Membership (or eligibility to join) of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) at MCIEEM level
• A current CSCS card or equivalent (We can arrange)
• Chartered Ecologist (CEcol)

Preferred

• Experience working in a UK consultancy for private and public‑sector developers and operators, on a range of development / infrastructure projects
• Experience across a range of UK habitats and protected species
• Experience of on‑site ecological supervision
• Line management experience
• Providing ecological input to competitive tenders
• Protected species survey licenses
• Has held or is eligible to hold protected species mitigation licenses

Qualification

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Management or a related discipline
• Membership (or eligibility to join) of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) at MCIEEM level
• A current CSCS card or equivalent (We can arrange)
• Chartered Ecologist (CEcol)

Experience

• Significant experience working in a UK consultancy for private and public‑sector developers and operators, on a range of development / infrastructure projects
• Experience across a range of UK habitats and protected species
• Experience of on‑site ecological supervision
• Line management experience
• Providing ecological input to competitive tenders
• Protected species survey licenses
• Has held or is eligible to hold protected species mitigation licenses

Skills

• Be able to work well in a team and provide effective direction to all members of the team
• Excellent commercial understanding of environmental consultancy procurement
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and organisational skills
• Excellent knowledge of relevant UK wildlife legislation including conservation of protected species
• Excellent knowledge of ecological survey methods and mitigation measures
• Good understanding of the UK planning system
• Able to work collaboratively and develop strong relationships within the business and with clients
• Full UK driver’s licence
• Good GIS skills
• Experienced in BNG metrics and reporting
• Good working knowledge of habitat creation and enhancement
• Data management and analysis skills

Why Pell Frischmann?

We are one of the UK's most influential and highly respected firms of infrastructure and built environment professionals. We provide a collaborative and supportive working environment, where you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to create your own pathway and make a real impact within the business and in the communities in which you will operate. We'll support your ongoing personal and professional development as your career progresses, allowing you to reach your full potential. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and are delighted to be a part of the government's Disability Confident Scheme. We're happy to talk about flexible working, including hybrid working, and are committed to promoting the wellbeing of all our employees.

In addition, you’ll receive a competitive salary and other excellent benefits you can find on the link below!