Principal Ecologist

Jobsoid Inc.; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working

Compressed working week

Employee Ownership Trust benefits

Discretionary tax-free bonus

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Health cash plan

Pension contributions

Cycle-to-work scheme

Professional membership support

Ongoing CPD and training opportunities

Job summary

FPCR is a leading UK environment and design consultancy seeking a Principal Ecologist in our Sheffield office. You will lead and deliver high-quality ecological work and assessments for diverse clients and projects, guiding a team of ecologists, landscape architects and environmental planners.

The role requires a track record of managing complex sites, strong report writing, and a proactive approach to mentoring colleagues.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or related field.
• 7–8 years in ecological consultancy with project management experience.
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain; DEFRA metrics familiarity.
• Experience in EcIA, EIA reports, HRA documents.
• Strong communication and stakeholder collaboration skills.
• UK driving licence and access to vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects through their life-cycle pre- and post-planning; advise on ecology and biodiversity for clients and teams.
• Lead ecological surveys and assess environmental impacts; prepare reports and strategies.
• Design and implement mitigation measures to enhance biodiversity and protect ecological features.
• Mentor junior staff and share knowledge to develop skills and judgement.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and coordinate with contractors and regulators.

Skills

Project management

Client relations

Mentoring juniors

Communication skills

GIS knowledge

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS (preferred)

Job description

About FPCR

Established in 1957, FPCR is one of the UK's leading environment and design consultancies. Our multidisciplinary teams work across landscape architecture, ecology, urban design, masterplanning, architecture and arboriculture, delivering award-winning projects throughout the UK.

As an employee-owned business, we are committed to creating an engaging, supportive and rewarding workplace where people can develop long-term careers.

Why join FPCR?

Our team members can develop their career in a supportive environment, working on nationally significant and award-winning projects and collaborating with experts across multiple disciplines.

Benefits include:

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Compressed working week
• Employee Ownership Trust benefits
• Discretionary annual tax-free bonus
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Health cash plan
• Pension contributions
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Professional membership support
• Ongoing CPD and training opportunities

(For a full details of our benefits, please see our Benefits Brochure).

About the Role

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for the next step up in your career? Are you looking to increase your exposure to complex and rewarding projects? Do you want to join an established consultancy practice who pride themselves in offering a great place to work?Could you be one of the experienced, talented and energetic professionals helping to continue the development of FPCR, responding to our clients and keeping FPCR moving forwards whilst responding to new challenges in ecological practice?

If so, our Sheffield office is currently looking for an enthusiastic Principal Ecologist to join its growing team and would love to hear from you.

You will be an integral member of our ecology team, leading and delivering high quality work and assessments for a range of clients and on a range of projects, collaborating with our talented team of ecologists, landscape architects and environmental planners.

Key Responsibilities

You will be:

• Managing projects throughout their life-cycle prior to and post-planning, providing advice on ecology and biodiversity to clients, stakeholders and project teams;
• Planning, leading on and on occasion, conducting ecological surveys;
• Undertaking environmental impact assessments, biodiversity net gain assessments and preparing a range of ecological reports and strategies;
• Designing and implementing appropriate mitigation measures to enhance biodiversity and protect ecological features;
• Supporting and mentoring junior staff, sharing your own knowledge and expertise to develop their skills and knowledge and professional judgement;
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, as well as with contractors and regulatory bodies

Skills and Experience

• Degree level or higher in Ecology or related field;
• At least 7-8 years working in ecological consultancy, with proven experience in project management, including large scale and more complex sites, liaising with clients and wider project consultants to deliver outputs efficiently and on time;
• Experienced in advising clients on Biodiversity Net Gain; understanding and use of the DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric and production of associated reports and plans;
• Demonstrable experience in complex report writing, inclusive but not limited to Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), including for Environmental Statements; Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) documents, Species and Habitat Management Plans;
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
• An advanced knowledge of ecology and wildlife protection in the context of the UK legislative and planning system;
• A level of competency in Microsoft Office software and preferably (although not essential) some knowledge of GIS packages;
• Membership or eligibility to membership of a relevant professional body (eg Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or other similar);
• A full UK driving licence and access to vehicle.

Deadline for Applications

The deadline for applications is subject to change, depending on level of interest. If you are interested in a position with us, an early application is advised. These will be reviewed as they come in, rather than waiting for the deadline.

Equal Opportunities

FPCR is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.