Principal Ecologist

Benjamin Grace; Norton-on-Derwent; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An ecology consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead a team and shape ecological strategy for major infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have proven experience, strong commercial acumen, and team leadership skills. This role offers a competitive salary, development opportunities towards Associate Director, and additional benefits including a company car or allowance and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Company car or car allowance

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension and funded CPD

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Principal Ecologist within consultancy.
• Strong commercial acumen including bid leadership.
• In-depth understanding of ecological legislation and mitigation design.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of ecologists, fostering technical excellence.
• Shape ecological strategy for projects from feasibility to delivery.
• Enhance quality through strong QA processes and mentoring frameworks.

Skills

Team leadership

Understanding of UK/EU ecological legislation

Commercial acumen

Budget management

Experience with protected species licenses

Job description

We are looking for a Principal Ecologist to play a leading role in the growth and direction of a small but highly versatile ecology consultancy. This is the ideal opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine impact—shaping strategy, elevating quality, and guiding how ecology supports major infrastructure, environmental and renewables projects across the UK. For the right individual, there is clear development potential towards Associate Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of ecologists at all levels, establishing clear paths for technical excellence and leadership development.
• Shape ecological strategy for infrastructure and environmental projects from early feasibility stages through to on-site delivery.
• Enhance quality and consistency, embedding strong QA processes and mentoring frameworks across all outputs.
• Support business growth, identifying opportunities within renewables, biodiversity net gain, and major civils frameworks.
• Contribute to environmental strategy and bids, helping secure and deliver multidisciplinary projects.
• Champion early integration, ensuring ecological considerations influence design and construction decisions—not just final compliance stages.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Principal Ecologist within consultancy.
• Strong commercial acumen, including bid leadership, budget management, and ensuring profitable delivery.
• In-depth understanding of UK/EU ecological legislation, mitigation design, and biodiversity net gain policy.
• Demonstrable experience in team leadership, coaching, and developing others.
• One or more protected species licences (e.g., bats, GCN).

What's on Offer

• £45k-£55k base salary (DOE)
• Company car or car allowance
• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Pension, funded CPD and leadership development pathways
• Opportunity to influence the future direction of a growing ecology practice.

This permanent vacancy is being advertised on behalf of Benjamin-Grace who are operating as an Employment Agency.