Principal Ecologist

AMEY; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension scheme

Competitive salary

Flexible benefits

Save with Amey

Social Impact Days

Job summary

Amey is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological projects within its Advisory team across the UK. You will provide technical direction, supervise teams, and influence delivery for multiple accounts.

You will manage surveys, bids, and client relationships while ensuring compliance with wildlife legislation and project budgets. A Chartered Ecologist and licence responsibilities are essential.

Qualifications

• Membership of a recognised ecological body (CIEEM) or equivalent.
• Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status.
• Developed experience in ecological fieldwork and surveys.
• Expertise in protected species surveys (bats, dormice).
• Experience with licencing and compliance for protected species.
• Invasive species survey and management knowledge.
• Strong knowledge of ecological processes and survey methodologies.
• Ability to produce technically sound ecological solutions compliant with wildlife law.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical teams to deliver ecological projects with quality, cost and programme in mind.
• Prepare and review surveys and technical documentation for scheme deliverables.
• Manage budgets and control project costs within portfolio.
• Liaise with client and supplier representatives and present proposals.
• Lead bids and provide technical and commercial input to the bid director.
• Work on site, on a visiting basis or in temporary full-time roles as required.
• Act as people manager when required by the business.

Skills

Technical leadership

Client liaison

Budget management

People management

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Ecology/Environmental Science

Tools

EPS Mitigation licence

Protected species licence

Job description

The Opportunity

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to join our Advisory business - a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates our differences and makes a real impact across the UK.

The role

Our Ecologists play an important part within the Advisory team and alongside our clients. As a Principal Ecologist you act as a technical team leader, providing advice, guidance and supervision as appropriate to technical teams, operational managers, clients and suppliers.

You will also manage or influence the actions of technical teams regardless of office location, project or account, including the multidisciplinary environment and to undertake the people manager role when required by the business.

Responsibilities include:

• To act as a technical team leader, providing advice, guidance and supervision as appropriate to technical teams, operational managers, clients and suppliers
• Preparing and leading the preparation and checking of surveys and documentation as part of the production of scheme deliverables that satisfy the overarching criteria of quality, cost and programme
• Responsibility for the commercial success of the projects within their portfolio, controlling budgets and managing the costs associated with the production of deliverables
• Liaising with client and supplier representatives at peer level and higher, including presenting proposals
• Significantly contributing to and leading the preparation of bids and the general work winning function, taking responsibility for the preparation of technical and commercial offers with accountability to the bid director
• Working on site, either on a visiting basis or in a full time but temporary role and including out of hours working
• Assuming the role of people manager when required by the business

What you will bring to us:

• Full membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management or equivalent
• Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status, gained through the professional institution to which the individual is aligned
• Developed experience and expertise within the Ecological field.
• Expertise in protected species surveys.
• EPS Mitigation licence application experience and Protected species licence holder or working towards same (notable species: bats & dormice)
• Experience in Invasive species survey and management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of ecological processes and survey methodologies
• Able to produce technically sound ecological solutions, complying with all relevant technical standards, wildlife legislation and client requirements.
• Ability to apply ecological management theory and principles to clear understood situations
• Experience in undertaking project related tasks associated with health, safety and welfare, e.g. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
• Good understanding of risk assessment, experienced in the management and communication of hazards and risks on projects and ensure appropriate risk mitigation has been applied
• Bachelors or Masters degree in an appropriate subject or demonstrable equivalent further learning such as Ecology, Zoology, Botany, Biology or Environmental Science

What we can offer you:

At Amey, we recognise that our biggest asset is our people. That’s why when you join us, we offer flexibility, career development, a choice of benefits and support that help you through all life’s ups and downs. It’s the reason why Investors in People put us among the top 1% of employers.

Our benefits are designed to help you thrive at work and in your home life. You will have the flexibility to choose benefits and development opportunities that are best for you.

Some of our benefits include:

• Exceptional personal development, training and progression plans, designed to allow you to shine in your career, all in line with your personal ambition
• Competitive salary and compensation
• Generous pension scheme, with extra contributions from Amey
• 24 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Flexible benefits scheme, including the option to buy additional annual leave and insurance benefits, Cycle2Work scheme and access to discounted gym membership
• Our Save with Amey programme gives you access to thousands of discounts from leading retailers to help you save on shopping, days out, or nights in
• Family friendly policies for new parents or if you provide care for a dependant
• Membership of our Affinity Networks who connect, support and inspire diverse communities within Amey
• Two Social Impact Days each year, for volunteering and fundraising opportunities

Who we are

Amey is a global, integrated infrastructure consultancy and operations partner. We design, deliver, protect, and maintain critical assets and systems.

What we do

We advise, design, finance, deliver, and enhance civic, transport, and defence systems. By combining strategic intelligence, engineering, infrastructure finance, and operational expertise, we create secure, resilient, compliant, and high‑value outcomes across the lifecycles of new and legacy assets.

Inclusion and Diversity

Amey is committed to Inclusion and Diversity. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview, if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.