Principal Ecologist

Andy File Associates Ltd; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead their office team. This role offers a blend of office work and the flexibility to work from home a few days a week. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in ecology, with a strong background in protected species surveys and habitat assessments. You will be responsible for leading the team, managing client relationships, and ensuring high-quality project delivery. The company values continuous learning and offers training opportunities, making it a great place for professionals looking to grow in their careers while contributing to meaningful environmental projects.

Benefits

24 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Healthcare scheme

Life Insurance

Paid professional subscriptions

Employee referral scheme

Pension scheme

Drive Electric car scheme

Long service rewards

Pool car available

Car hire available

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in ecology or related field.
• Full CIEEM membership is required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Lead office team and report to the Director of Ecology.
• Plan and resource surveys, assist with client interactions.
• Mentor junior staff and drive business development.

Skills

PEA/UK Habitat Survey

Protected species survey

Mitigation strategies

Data collation and analysis

GIS mapping

Report writing

Client liaison

Team leadership

Education

BSc in Ecology

MSc in Environment

Full CIEEM membership

Job description

Andy File Associates Limited is working as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our client with regards this permanent position.

Salary range: (45K – 50K per annum)

Location: Manchester

Our client is a multidisciplinary environmental consultancy seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Principal Ecologist, with at least 10 years’ experience (or similar). This role is primarily office based with the opportunity to WFH 1 -2 days per week.

If you meet 80% or more of what our client is looking for, they still want to hear about you! They understand not everyone will meet all the requirements, but you might have the transferable skills or other skills they need. They also offer in-house and external training to learn how to use unfamiliar software.

Qualifications

• Candidate will have a BSc in Ecology (or similar).
• MSc Environment (or equivalent).
• Full CIEEM.
• Position based on experience/licence ability.

Responsibilities

• Office team lead, reporting to Director of Ecology.
• Assists with contacting other teams.
• Plans and resources surveys within team.
• Assists Director in building workload.
• Responsible for office financing. Report to Director for wider team.
• Undertakes specialist surveys, regularly assists rest of team on full range of surveys.
• Produces full range of reports, including specialist to a high standard.
• Assists with the review of technical outputs from rest of team, including reports and data.
• Drives business development within office and wider team and assists with resources for client networking.
• Main point of contact for client liaison on office projects.
• Mentors junior staff.

Technical Skills

• Specialist in PEA/UK Habitat Survey.
• Ability to undertake a full range of protected species survey competently and efficiently.
• Ability to undertake specialist surveys in chosen area of expertise to a recognised standard.
• Proficient in specialism, providing key advice to sector.
• Holds protected species survey licences (Basic GCN and Dormouse, specialist i.e. Bat).
• Proficient in mitigation, beginning to assist/accredited (can be named ecologist on development licences), providing key advice to statutory consultees.
• Proficient knowledge of EU/UK legislation and planning policy (national and local).
• Fully versed on industry standards.
• Proficient management skills with ability to lead teams/assist Director. Professional, organised and thorough approach to work.
• Experience with the full range of sectors.
• Proficient with all aspects of data collation, interpretation and analysis.
• Proficient mapping ability (including GIS or similar).
• Excellent report writing and communication skills, producing clear and concise technical documentation.
• Peer reviews all other team reports, and designs industry standard templates.
• Prepares fees and tender submissions and assists Director with regular client interaction.
• Able to confidently lead and address client questions regarding course of action, survey requirements, mitigation options etc., taking advice from Director where necessary.
• Demonstrable history of winning and delivering projects to a high standard, on time and within budgets.
• Responsible for all office team aspects of health and safety.

Benefits

• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Annual leave increases by one day for every three years of service.
• Healthcare scheme with Benenden health.
• Life Insurance (three times annual salary).
• Access to Wider Wallet Benefits scheme.
• Paid professional subscriptions (Max £750 per year).
• Employee referral scheme.
• Pension scheme (4% employer contribution).
• Drive Electric car scheme.
• Long service rewards.
• Pool car available and car hire available.