Principal Ecologist

Hunter Dunning; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established environmental consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead projects that balance ecological conservation with development needs. Responsibilities include team mentorship, client engagement, and compliance with environmental standards. Ideal candidates will have extensive knowledge of UK ecology, proven leadership, and a full UK driving licence. This position offers a salary of £45,000 - £60,000 and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Salary of £45,000 – £60,000

Hybrid / remote working

Enhanced annual leave scheme

Professional memberships

Mileage – 45p

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology and environmental legislation.
• Expertise in protected species surveys and mitigation projects.
• Experience managing a terrestrial ecology portfolio and offering ecological advice to clients.
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of mentoring junior ecologists.
• Experience working within a consultancy.
• Natural England protected species licence or equivalent expertise.
• CIEEM / Chartered status is strongly desirable.
• Business development / client relations experience is desirable.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior management to expand the business and set strategic goals.
• Lead and mentor a team of consultants, ensuring high-quality reports and outputs.
• Oversee project management and the delivery of consultancy services.
• Participate in business development and networking events.
• Engage with clients, maintaining and expanding relationships to secure new work.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology and environmental legislation

Expertise in protected species surveys and mitigation projects

Experience managing a terrestrial ecology portfolio

Proven leadership skills

Experience working within a consultancy

Natural England protected species licence or equivalent

CIEEM / Chartered status is strongly desirable

Business development / client relations experience

Full UK Driving Licence

Job description

Principal Ecologist Job in Manchester / Remote

New available, with an established consultancy, working as part of the Manchester office for the terrestrial ecology division to deliver a range of environmental projects. This role involves collaborating with various clients across the UK, including conservation agencies, development sectors, and the water and energy industries. The aim is to balance environmental protection with development needs, ensuring that work adheres to the highest standards while fostering ecological conservation.

A leading environmental consultancy, they specialise in providing expert advice and services across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Their work spans a wide range of industries, including conservation, water, and energy, with a focus on balancing environmental protection and sustainable development. The consultancy is known for its multidisciplinary team of scientists and its commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based solutions to complex environmental challenges across the UK.

Role & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior management to expand the business and set strategic goals
• Lead and mentor a team of consultants, ensuring high-quality reports and outputs
• Oversee project management and the delivery of consultancy servicesParticipate in business development and networking events
• Engage with clients, maintaining and expanding relationships to secure new work
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards and contribute to continuous improvements.

Required Skills & Experience

• Comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology and environmental legislation
• Expertise in protected species surveys and mitigation projects
• Experience managing a terrestrial ecology portfolio and offering ecological advice to clients
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of mentoring junior ecologists
• Experience working within a consultancy
• Natural England protected species licence or equivalent expertise
• CIEEM / Chartered status is strongly desirable
• Business development / client relations experience is desirable
• Full UK Driving Licence.

What you get back

• Salary of £45,000 – £60,000
• Hybrid / remote working
• Enhanced annual leave scheme and option to buy / sell days
• Professional memberships
• Mileage – 45p
• Cycle to work scheme, and more.