Principal Ecologist

Sweco UK; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy seeks a Principal Ecologist to manage ecological projects, ensure best practice, and mentor team members. This role involves preparing competitive bids, approving ecology proposals, and evaluating ecological data. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Ecology or related fields, experience in project management, and knowledge of UK ecological survey methodologies. The position offers flexible work options with a minimum of three days in the office.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Career progression opportunities

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.
• Understanding of UK survey methodology following relevant legislation and guidelines.
• Experience conducting preliminary ecological appraisals, protected species surveys and habitat surveys.
• Report writing experience including PEA reports and Ecological Impact Assessments.

Responsibilities

• Manage all ecological aspects of projects ensuring high standards.
• Prepare competitive bids and tenders.
• Approve ecology proposals and reports for technical robustness.
• Liaise with project managers and clients on ecological requirements.
• Perform site surveys and habitat assessments.

Skills

Project management

Mentorship

Ecological survey methodology

Report writing

Driving

Education

Degree in Ecology, Environmental or Earth Sciences

CIEEM membership

Eligible for CEnv/CEcol

Job description

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.

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.

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.

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 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.