Principal Ecologist

MacStaff; Liss; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Hybrid working

Job summary

MacStaff is seeking a Principal Ecologist / Principal Ecological Consultant for a hybrid role based in the UK, with options across Glasgow/Edinburgh or other locations. You will lead complex ecological projects, mentor junior staff and drive technical standards while delivering high-quality client deliverables.

The role combines technical ecology with leadership and commercial responsibility, offering strong development opportunities within a growing environmental group.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in ecology or related field and full CIEEM membership.
• Experience in UK ecological consultancy and leadership of projects.
• Proven ability to mentor ecologists and manage client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ecological projects from inception to completion.
• Manage programmes, budgets, resources, forecasting and performance.
• Provide expert advice on ecological assessment, mitigation, and land management.
• Lead and review ecological surveys, assessments and monitoring programmes.
• Produce and review high-quality technical reports and client deliverables.
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and EcIA/HRA work.
• Develop Species Protection Plans and mitigation strategies.

Skills

Strong project management

Client-facing and report writing

Mentoring ecologists

Education

Degree in Ecology / Environmental Science / Biological Sciences

CIEEM membership (full)

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Principal Ecologist / Principal Ecological Consultant

£47,000–£57,000 + Benefits | Glasgow or Edinburgh | Hybrid Working #WFH

You will like

Leading ecology projects and developing people for a growing, multidisciplinary environmental consultancy with the backing and resources of a substantial UK environmental group.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Principal Ecologist / Principal Ecological Consultant who wants more than simply delivering surveys and reports. You'll have genuine influence over technical standards, project delivery, team development and the continued growth of an established ecology offering.

Based from Glasgow or Edinburgh with hybrid working #WFH, you'll join a collaborative environmental consultancy delivering a varied portfolio of ecological, environmental and nature-based projects. The culture is professional but pragmatic, with a strong emphasis on high-quality technical advice, knowledge sharing and developing people.

You will do

As Principal Ecologist, you'll act as both technical leader and project manager, working closely with the Head of Ecology while mentoring and supporting Senior, Consultant and Graduate Ecologists. More specifically:

• Lead complex ecological projects from inception through to completion
• Manage programmes, budgets, resources, forecasting and project performance
• Provide expert advice on ecological assessment, mitigation, enhancement and land management
• Lead and technically review ecological surveys, assessments and monitoring programmes
• Produce and review high-quality technical reports and client deliverables
• Undertake and review Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and delivery
• Prepare and review Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)
• Develop Species Protection Plans and mitigation strategies
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring and development to the ecology team
• Build relationships with existing and new clients
• Contribute to proposals, tenders, networking and business development
• Collaborate with environmental specialists across the wider multidisciplinary business

The position therefore offers a genuine combination of technical ecology, leadership and commercial responsibility.

You will have

You'll be an experienced Principal Ecologist, Principal Ecological Consultant, Senior Ecologist or Senior Ecological Consultant ready to operate at Principal level, ideally offering:

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences or similar
• Full CIEEM membership, preferably progressing towards Chartered status
• Strong UK ecological consultancy experience
• Excellent knowledge of relevant UK environmental and ecological legislation
• Technical expertise in PEA, EcIA, HRA and protected species work
• Practical experience of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
• QGIS and/or ArcGIS Pro experience
• Strong project and commercial management capability
• Experience mentoring and developing ecologists
• Excellent client-facing, report writing and stakeholder skills
• Commercial awareness and an appetite to support business development

These technical requirements reflect the core criteria specified for the position.

You will get

As Principal Ecologist / Principal Ecological Consultant, you will enjoy:

• £47,000–£57,000 salary
• Comprehensive benefits package
• 35-hour working week
• Hybrid working – 2 days home / 3 days office
• Choice of Glasgow or Edinburgh base
• Varied and technically challenging ecological projects
• Leadership and mentoring responsibility
• Continued professional development
• Wider multidisciplinary environmental expertise and career opportunities
• Scope to influence the growth and technical direction of the ecology team