Principal Ecologist

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

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist based in Kent, offering a salary of £40,000 plus DOE and hybrid working. The role involves leading complex ecological projects, providing technical leadership, and managing a team of ecologists. The ideal candidate will have extensive consultancy experience in ecology, familiarity with UK wildlife legislation, and strong leadership qualities. This position is pivotal, supporting professional development and contributing to diverse, high-profile projects.

Benefits

Hybrid and flexible working options

Support for professional development

Influence over projects and team direction

Qualifications

• A degree (or higher) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy at Senior or Principal level.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning processes.
• Proven experience leading EcIAs, PEAs, and complex ecological assessments.
• Chartered membership (or working towards) of CIEEM.
• One or more protected species licences (highly desirable).
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and client management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex ecological projects from tender through to delivery.
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance across ecological reports and assessments.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, planners, and stakeholders.
• Oversee and support the development of senior and junior ecologists.
• Contribute to business development, proposals, and strategic growth.
• Ensure compliance with UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and best practice.

Skills

Leadership skills

Mentoring skills

Client management

Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation

Project management

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Chartered membership of CIEEM (or working towards)

Job description

Principal Ecologist

Location: Kent (Hybrid / Flexible Working)

Salary: £40,000+ DOE

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

The Role

• Lead and manage complex ecological projects from tender through to delivery
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance across ecological reports and assessments
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, planners, and stakeholders
• Oversee and support the development of senior and junior ecologists
• Contribute to business development, proposals, and strategic growth
• Ensure compliance with UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and best practice
• Support workload planning, resourcing, and team management

About You

• A degree (or higher) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy at Senior or Principal level
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning processes
• Proven experience leading EcIAs, PEAs, and complex ecological assessments
• Chartered membership (or working towards) of CIEEM
• One or more protected species licences (highly desirable)
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and client management skills
• A full UK driving licence

What's On Offer

• Salary of £40,000+ DOE
• Kent-based role with hybrid and flexible working options
• Senior leadership position with influence over projects and team direction
• Varied and high-profile projects across multiple sectors
• Support for continued professional development and career progression

If you are a motivated ecologist looking to make a real impact and lead ecological projects, we would love to hear from you.

Contact James Hardie at Penguin Recruitment