Principal Ecologist

Celnor Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days annual leave

5% pension contribution

Paid professional membership

Interest-free loan for travel

Volunteering day

Training and development

Job summary

A UK-based environmental consultancy seeks a Principal Ecologist to manage and deliver ecological projects in Manchester. You will mentor junior staff, ensure compliance with health and safety standards, and engage in business development. The ideal candidate has a degree in Ecology, extensive experience in consultancy, and robust knowledge of UK wildlife legislation. This hybrid role offers competitive remuneration and several attractive benefits, including professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy roles.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Holder of protected species licences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ecological projects from start to finish.
• Mentor and manage Ecologists.
• Maintain quality and health & safety standards.
• Develop client relationships and write proposals.

Skills

Ecological project management

Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Member of CIEEM

Job description

Principal Ecologist

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Manchester

Reporting To: Joanna Shaw

Compensation: £38,000 - £45,000 / year

Description

Urban Green

Urban Green is a specialist provider within environmental consultancy supporting clients across the North West. We are known for our technical expertise, commitment to quality, and strong client partnerships. As the business continues to grow and evolve, we are looking for a Principal Ecologist to play a key role in supporting our next phase of development.

Part of the Celnor Group

Celnor Group is a UK-based environmental services group operating across the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) landscape. With a growing portfolio of specialist businesses, Celnor provides essential services that protect people, property and the environment.

While each business retains its own identity, culture and technical specialism, all are supported by a central group function that invests in people, systems and long‑term sustainable growth.

This role is central to the day‑to‑day success of the business and contributes directly to operational performance and customer outcomes. As Principal Ecologist, you will be responsible for technical leadership, project delivery, and commercial oversight for ecological service, working closely with colleagues across the business to ensure high standards of delivery, compliance and continuous improvement.

This is a hybrid role suited to someone who thrives in a technical, client‑facing environment and enjoys taking ownership, solving problems and making a tangible impact.

What you will do

• Leading a portfolio of interesting and complex ecological projects from initial client liaison through to completion.
• Mentoring and managing enthusiastic Ecologists by adopting a creative and an inspiring approach.
• Contributing to business development activities including client relationships and writing fee proposals to expand our current portfolio.
• Maintaining quality and health and safety standards.
• Demonstrating efficient and profitable delivery.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, compliance and quality standards.
• Line manage and mentor Assistant to Senior Ecologists.
• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Provide Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) support on complex projects.

Who you are

You are an experienced and motivated professional who brings a practical, solutions‑focused mindset. You will ideally have:

• Extensive relevant experience in a similar role within consultancy.
• Degree (or higher) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related discipline.
• Full Member of CIEEM (MCIEEM).
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Proven experience delivering complex ecological projects.
• Holder of one or more protected species licences.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• A high level of attention to detail and accountability.
• The ability to manage priorities effectively in a dynamic environment.
• A collaborative approach and a commitment to doing things the right way.

Join us

You’ll be joining a business where your contribution matters and where professionalism, integrity and teamwork are genuinely valued. As part of the wider Celnor Group, you’ll benefit from group‑wide investment, shared expertise and opportunities to develop your career as the organisation continues to grow.

Benefits

• 24 days annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30 days after two years of service, plus Bank Holidays.
• 5% employer / 5% employee contribution pension. After one year of service, Urban Green will match increased contributions up to 7.5%, should the employee choose to contribute more.
• One paid professional membership per year.
• Opportunity to apply for an interest‑free loan for the purchase of an annual travel season ticket.
• 1 volunteering day per year.
• Techscheme.
• Cyclescheme.
• Eyecare scheme.
• Lots of staff events/forum.
• Training and development supported.
• Equipment and tools to support you in your role.

Important information

Celnor Group and its businesses manage recruitment directly. We do not require agency support for this role and will only engage with recruitment partners from our preferred supplier list where necessary.

We may use technology, including AI‑enabled tools, to support parts of the recruitment process. AI is not used for candidate screening, scoring or hiring decisions. All hiring decisions are made by people, for people. Our recruitment systems are ISO 42001 accredited, reflecting our commitment to ethical, transparent and responsible use of technology.