Principal Ecologist

Tetra Tech Europe; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Travel opportunities

Flexible working

Job summary

Tetra Tech Europe is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead a portfolio of ecological projects across renewable energy, development and infrastructure in England.

You will manage multiple projects, author and review ecological reports, supervise junior ecologists, and engage with regulators and stakeholders to deliver practical ecological outcomes.

Hybrid role with regular site travel across the region; full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel as required.

Qualifications

• Solid knowledge of the UK planning system and environmental legislation.
• Experience with ecology surveys, impact assessments and mitigation.
• Ability to design and deliver ecological reports and licenses.
• Willingness to travel to sites with some overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological inputs across major infrastructure and development projects.
• Author and peer-review ecological reports and licenses.
• Engage stakeholders including Natural England and local authorities.
• Mentor junior ecologists and support team development.
• Manage project finances and timelines.

Skills

UK planning knowledge

Ecology expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Budget & project management

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s in Ecology

Job description

Tetra Tech is looking for a Principal Ecologist to join our team in delivering high-impact ecological solutions across renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects throughout England.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Ecology for Clean Energy and Development

This is an opportunity to play a key role in projects ranging from onshore wind and solar to major offshore wind developments, helping to support the transition to a lower-carbon future while also contributing to a diverse portfolio of development work. You will lead complex projects, provide trusted technical advice, and support the growth of junior team members within a collaborative and ambitious environment.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As Principal Ecologist, you will manage an exciting portfolio of approximately 6 – 10 projects at any one time, delivering work in line with UK legislation, planning policy, and ecological best practice. You will lead ecological inputs across renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure schemes, including Town and Country Planning Act developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. The role includes authoring and peer reviewing ecological reports, leading stakeholder engagement, managing project finances, and supporting delivery of pragmatic ecological outcomes for clients.

Your Impact in This Position

In this role, you will have a direct influence on the quality, consistency, and commercial success of ecological work across a major portfolio of projects. You will help shape project outcomes through robust ecological assessment, practical mitigation, and effective negotiation with regulators and stakeholders. You will also contribute to team capability by mentoring junior ecologists, providing in-house training, and supporting professional development across a growing team of ecologists.

Core Capabilities

Technical Expertise

A strong track record in delivering ecological solutions for major infrastructure and development/regeneration projects. Familiarity with planning frameworks such as the National Planning Policy Framework, Biodiversity Net Gain guidance, Nature Recovery Network, and local biodiversity strategies.

Project Management

Proven ability to manage multiple ecological projects simultaneously, including fee proposals, tenders, invoicing, and project finances, while maintaining quality and deadlines.

Innovation

A forward-thinking approach to ecology, with an interest in nature-based design, ecological resilience, and design integration, working closely with landscape and hydrology colleagues.

Stakeholder Engagement & Negotiation

Experience leading discussions with Natural England, County Ecologists, Local Authority planning officers, and other stakeholders to achieve positive project outcomes.

Team Leadership & Development

Ability to support, mentor, and line manage junior ecologists, contributing to a collaborative team culture and developing in-house capability.

Qualifications & Experience

• Sound knowledge of the UK planning system and environmental legislation relevant to the role
• Competence in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments
• Ability to design and complete a range of typical ecology surveys and interpret findings to inform robust ecological assessments
• Experience designing and delivering ecological mitigation, including protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) work
• Full UK driving licence, insured for business purposes
• Willingness to travel to sites throughout the region, with some overnight stays where required

Beneficial

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Ecology or a closely related field
• CIEEM membership
• At least one protected species survey licence, with great crested newt and bat licences highly desirable
• FISC Level 4, highly desirable but not essential
• Equivalent work experience may be considered where relevant

Working Environment

This is a hybrid role, with approximately 2–3 days per week office-based. The position is mainly office-based, with regular travel to client sites and other office locations across the region. Flexibility may be required depending on project needs, and occasional overnight accommodation may be necessary.

Equal Opportunity Statement

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.