Principal Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative consultancy in Oxford is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecology projects across the South and Midlands. This hybrid role offers the chance to manage projects from inception to completion within a collaborative team. The consultancy is known for its technical expertise and commitment to delivering practical ecological solutions. With a diverse client base, this position is perfect for an experienced ecologist ready to advance their career while valuing autonomy and a balanced work approach. Join a forward-thinking firm that invests in your professional growth and well-being.

Benefits

Paid Professional Memberships

Unlimited CPD/Training Budget

Unlimited Annual Leave

Flexible Working Hours

Qualifications

• Specialist expertise in key ecological areas.
• Membership of CIEEM or working towards it.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecology consultancy projects across regions.
• Conduct Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Biodiversity Impact Assessments.
• Mentor junior team members and ensure high standards.

Skills

Ecological Expertise

Client-facing Experience

GIS Experience (QGIS or ArcGIS)

Education

Degree in Ecology or Related Field

Job description

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New Principal Ecologist job available with a growing independent consultancy based in Oxford. The role will support the delivery of ecology projects across the home counties, the South, and the Midlands area. This is a hybrid role and offers the opportunity to manage ecology projects from initial enquiry through to completion within a collaborative and technically focused team.

The company is a rapidly growing consultancy known for its technical expertise and commitment to delivering practical, client-focused ecological solutions. With a diverse client base across public and private sectors, the team works on projects in land development, infrastructure, and conservation across the UK. This is a great opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in their career, working within a growing ecology consultancy that values autonomy, technical quality, and a balanced approach to work.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver ecology consultancy projects across the South, Midlands, and Home Counties
• Carry out Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), habitat condition assessments, and Biodiversity Impact Assessments
• Undertake protected species surveys and priority species assessments
• Prepare tenders, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and technical reporting
• Design surveys and lead field teams across a variety of project types.
• Mentor and support junior team members, ensuring high standards of technical work and service delivery.

Required Skills & Experience

• Specialist expertise in one or more key ecological areas
• Client-facing experience and involvement in business development
• Degree or equivalent in ecology or a related field
• Membership of CIEEM (or working towards membership)
• GIS experience (QGIS or ArcGIS).

What you get back

• Paid professional memberships
• Unlimited internal and external CPD/training budget
• Unlimited annual leave
• Flexible working hours and hybrid options.

Apply

If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time. We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies.

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Referral

Did you know we run a referral scheme? We pay a £1000 referral bonus if you introduce us to anyone who we then successfully place in a new job role. Just send us their information and we'll do the rest. Terms: A candidate is deemed to have been successfully placed once they have started a new job as a result of an introduction made by Hunter Dunning and when they've successfully completed the probation period.

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