Principal Ecologist

Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and environmental consultancy based in Leeds is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their team. The role involves leading complex ecological assessments and preparing technical reports. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Ecology or a related field and extensive consultancy experience. The position offers a salary between £45,000 - £50,000 per annum, along with benefits such as hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

5% pension match

Life assurance

25 days' holiday

Hybrid working

Healthcare cash plan

Qualifications

• Extensive consultancy experience leading ecological projects from bid to delivery.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Competency with protected species survey licenses.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ecological assessments and prepare high-quality technical reports.
• Provide senior technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teams.
• Design and implement mitigation and enhancement strategies for protected species.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Project management

Strong GIS capability

Education

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or related discipline

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

Job description

Bennett & Game are proud to be representing an award-winning multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy, previously recognised as one of the UK's Top 100 Companies to Work For. With offices across the country, including a strong presence in Leeds, they deliver innovative and sustainable solutions across infrastructure, development, and environmental sectors. Due to continued expansion of their ecological services, they are now seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their Leeds office and play a key role in driving technical excellence, project delivery, and team development within a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.

Principal Ecologist Job Overview

• Lead complex ecological assessments, including advanced protected species surveys, detailed site evaluations, and strategic ecological input for major development projects
• Prepare and oversee high-quality technical reports such as Ecological Impact Assessments, biodiversity net gain strategies, mitigation design, and specialist ecological guidance
• Provide senior technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teams, collaborating with arboriculturists, landscape architects, engineers, and planners
• Design and implement mitigation, compensation, and enhancement strategies for protected species and habitats, ensuring robust compliance with legislation
• Manage client relationships, support fee proposals, and contribute to business development across the ecology service line
• Oversee ecological components during construction phases, including method statement development, ecological supervision, and compliance monitoring
• Mentor, support, and quality-check the work of senior and junior ecologists, fostering technical growth and maintaining high professional standards

Principal Ecologist Job Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline
• Extensive consultancy experience with proven ability to lead ecological projects from bid through to delivery
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, advanced mitigation design, and biodiversity net gain principles
• Competency with protected species survey licences (e.g. bats, GCN) and holding one or more Natural England licences is highly advantageous
• Strong GIS capability (QGIS or ArcGIS) and confidence in reviewing complex ecological data
• Excellent leadership, client management, and project management skills
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites across the region

Principal Ecologist Salary & Benefits

• Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Inclusive Culture - Supportive, collaborative workplace that values diversity and professional growth
• Competitive Rewards - 5% pension match, life assurance, and long-service recognition
• Time Off & Flexibility - 25 days' holiday (rising to 28), option to buy additional days, hybrid working (3 days office), and flexible core hours
• Health & Wellbeing - Westfield Health cover, healthcare cash plan, Cycle to Work scheme, and dedicated wellbeing initiatives
• Community & Connection - Volunteering days, regular social events, discounts, and savings programmes