Principal Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to oversee high-profile projects in Brighton and the South East. This role involves mentoring junior staff, managing ecological surveys, and liaising with clients. Candidates should have a degree in Ecology and relevant Natural England survey licenses. The position offers competitive salary, flexible working options, and strong professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

31 days annual leave plus birthday off

Paid CIEEM membership

Professional development budget

Optional private healthcare

Contributory pension

Qualifications

• Strong experience conducting habitat and protected species surveys.
• Natural England survey licences for at least one species/group.
• Valid UK driving licence and access to own car.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological projects from survey design to final reporting.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients.
• Mentor junior ecologists, fostering knowledge-sharing.

Skills

Project management

Ecological surveys

Communication skills

Client management

Mentorship

Education

Degree in Ecology or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Principal Ecologist

Location: Brighton (with flexible working options)

Salary: £43,000+ DOE

A progressive and growing environmental consultancy is seeking a highly skilled Principal Ecologist to take a leading role within its team. The consultancy delivers expert ecological services across a variety of sectors including residential, commercial, renewable energy, and heritage projects. This position offers the chance to oversee and shape high-profile projects throughout the South East, with a focus on East and West Sussex, Kent, Surrey, and Hampshire.

Benefits

• Competitive salary tailored to experience, plus a starting bonus for direct applications
• Flexible working arrangements and 31 days annual leave, with your birthday off
• Paid CIEEM membership and a dedicated professional development budget
• Optional private healthcare and access to an in-house mental health first aider
• Contributory pension and established TOIL system
• Positive and inclusive team culture that values collaboration, wellbeing, and professional growth

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ecological projects from initial survey design to final reporting, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species surveys, and mitigation strategies
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, offering expert ecological guidance
• Conduct field surveys and produce detailed technical outputs
• Mentor and support junior ecologists, fostering knowledge-sharing and skill development
• Contribute to Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, and Biodiversity Net Gain evaluations

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Ecology or related discipline
• Strong experience conducting habitat and protected species surveys
• Natural England survey licences for at least one species/group
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid UK driving licence and access to own car
• Desirable: experience obtaining European Protected Species Mitigation licences, working with other environmental disciplines, and using Defra's Biodiversity Metric

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced ecologist to progress their career in a supportive and forward-thinking consultancy, leading impactful projects that protect and enhance biodiversity across the South East