Principal Ecologist

Dalcour Maclaren; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking a qualified Ecologist to manage and lead complex ecological projects. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree, experience in ecological fieldwork, and excellent communication skills. You will be responsible for preparing proposals, managing project finances, and conducting ecological assessments. Join us in contributing to a sustainable future through diverse projects across various sectors, including Water, Power, Telecoms, and Transport.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme

25 days annual leave plus a birthday day

Vitality Health Membership

Flexible working arrangements

Pension Scheme

Life insurance

Free on-site parking

Cycle to work scheme

26 weeks paid maternity leave

2 weeks paid paternity leave

Employee development opportunities

Mental health and wellbeing support

Company-wide events and office socials

Qualifications

• Experience in managing ecological projects and diverse portfolios.
• Proficiency in authoring various ecology reports.
• Ability to design and implement ecological mitigation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex ecological projects.
• Prepare fee proposals and manage project finances.
• Conduct fieldwork including botanical and ornithological surveys.

Skills

Ecological project management

Communication with stakeholders

Botanical survey expertise

Biodiversity Metric interpretation

CIEEM membership eligibility

UK planning system knowledge

UK Habitat Classification

Education

BSc and/or MSc degree in Ecology

Tools

Protected species survey licences

Job description

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Contribute to the development of the team through providing in‑house training and support to junior team members (line management experience desirable for Principal / Associate roles).

• Prepare fee proposals, tender applications, and manage project finances.

• Lead and manage complex ecological projects as part of a diverse portfolio of projects.

• Design, procure and manage a range of protected species surveys and mitigation through in‑house ecologists and our sub‑consultant network.

• Complete ecological fieldwork to a level agreed based on role / experience – botanical, bat and ornithological survey expertise highly desirable.

• Hold a BSc and / or MSc degree in Ecology or a closely related subject.

• Have, or be eligible, for CIEEM membership.

• Have sound knowledge of the UK planning system and environmental legislation.

• Author a range of typical ecology reports (PEA / EcIA / EIA / HRA / BNG / LEMPs / CEMPs) – EIA / HRA expertise and peer review reports highly desirable for Principal / Associate roles.

• Be proficient in BNG assessments, and able to interpret and evaluate the Biodiversity Metric to deliver pragmatic solutions to our clients (experience in securing off‑site BNG solutions highly desirable).

• Communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, and lead negotiations with Natural England, County Ecologists, Local Authority planning officers, and stakeholders; hold protected species survey licences (great crested newts and bats highly desirable).

• Be competent in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments (FISC level 4 highly desirable but not essential).

• Be able to design and implement ecological mitigation projects, and habitat creation / enhancement for BNG.

• Be comfortable working independently and as part of a small team looking to expand across the UK. Some level of overnight accommodation may be required.

• Hold a full UK driving licence, insured for business purposes, and be willing to travel for client meetings and site surveys.

About the Company

At Dalcour Maclaren, we're key players in the Utilities and Infrastructure industry, bringing the UK and Ireland closer to Net Zero every day. Our land, environmental and geospatial experts work together to unlock the consents needed by our clients to deliver key projects. Our services include land access and assembly, agricultural liaison, planning, environmental impact assessments and geospatial mapping. Join us, and play your part in helping us to achieve our vision; to be the professional services team of choice, leading the Utilities and Infrastructure industry to a sustainable future.

Our vision is to be the go‑to environmental, planning and design consultancy serving the utilities and infrastructure sector. The Ecology team works across multiple sectors – Water, Power, Telecoms, Transport & Infrastructure – delivering on some of the most exciting, diverse, and unique projects across the UK. We work on Permitted Development projects and large infrastructure projects through protected landscapes in the most remote parts of the country. DM is one of the largest suppliers of land and property services to the offshore wind market and provides environment and planning services to utilities providers. We help our clients deliver improved water quality and all kinds of renewable energy technologies including solar, BESS, onshore wind, hydrogen, and many more – pushing toward Net Zero and a brighter sustainable future. The variety of work is just one rewarding part; our culture is something worth celebrating. We work hard but play hard, recognising that our people are our greatest asset. We strive to ensure we live and breathe our OneTeam ethos every day, and our multidisciplinary teams mean you will meet and work with colleagues from different professions across the country in a happy supportive environment.

Benefits

• Annual bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus 1 day to celebrate your birthday
• Vitality Health Membership (including Private healthcare, subsidised gym membership and other discounts)
• Flexible working through our 'Flexible Advantage' supporting working families & your work / life balance
• Pension Scheme via The Peoples Pension
• Life insurance (4x Base Salary)
• Free on‑site parking in non‑city centre offices
• Cycle to work scheme
• 26 Weeks paid Maternity Leave
• 2 Weeks paid Paternity Leave
• BHN Extras - provides discounted gift cards for hundreds of popular retailers
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme (provided by Octopus Electric Vehicles) effective at 1 year’s service
• Sabbatical Policy effective at 3 years’ service
• Professional development – paid study leave
• Military service paid leave (7.5 days per year)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) plus wider Mental Health & Wellbeing support
• 2 × Company‑wide events every year, in addition to multiple office socials throughout the year

Equal Opportunities

Dalcour Maclaren is an equal opportunities employer.