Principal Ecologist

Sweco UK Ltd; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological projects and mentor team members. This role offers the chance to manage complex projects, ensuring high standards in ecology practices while preparing bids and conducting site surveys. Join a dynamic team dedicated to Nature Recovery and Natural Capital, where your expertise will help drive impactful strategies. With flexible working options and a supportive environment for career progression, this is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the ecology sector.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing large/complex projects in ecology consultancy.
• Thorough understanding of UK survey methodology and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecological aspects of projects ensuring best practices are followed.
• Prepare competitive bids and manage site surveys.

Skills

Project Management

Ecological Surveying

Report Writing

Data Analysis

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Sciences

CIEEM Membership

Eligibility for CEnv/CEcol

Job description

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?

As a Principal Ecologist you’ll manage all ecological aspects of projects ensuring best practice is embedded throughout our processes and we’re delivering to a high standard. You’ll 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.

To be successful in this role you’ll have:

• 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