Principal Ecologist

Hunter Dunning; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their Southampton office, offering hybrid working and a salary between £45,000 and £60,000. The role involves mentoring a team and overseeing project management while collaborating with clients across various sectors. Candidates should have comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology and significant consultancy experience. This position also offers enhanced annual leave and professional memberships.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave scheme

Professional memberships

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology and environmental legislation.
• Expertise in protected species surveys and mitigation projects.
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of mentoring junior ecologists.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior management to expand the business.
• Lead and mentor a team of consultants.
• Engage with clients to secure new work.

Skills

Comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology

Expertise in protected species surveys

Strong leadership skills

Business development experience

Job description

Principal Ecologist Job in Southampton / Remote

New available with an established consultancy, working as part of the Southampton office for the terrestrial ecology division to deliver a range of environmental projects. This role involves collaborating with various clients across the UK, including conservation agencies, development sectors, and the water and energy industries. The aim is to balance environmental protection with development needs, ensuring that work adheres to the highest standards while fostering ecological conservation.

A leading environmental consultancy, they specialise in providing expert advice and services across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Their work spans a wide range of industries, including conservation, water, and energy, with a focus on balancing environmental protection and sustainable development. The consultancy is known for its multidisciplinary team of scientists and its commitment to delivering high‑quality, evidence‑based solutions to complex environmental challenges across the UK.

Role & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior management to expand the business and set strategic goals
• Lead and mentor a team of consultants, ensuring high‑quality reports and outputs
• Oversee project management and the delivery of consultancy services
• Participate in business development and networking events
• Engage with clients, maintaining and expanding relationships to secure new work
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards and contribute to continuous improvements.

Required Skills & Experience

• Comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology and environmental legislation
• Expertise in protected species surveys and mitigation projects
• Experience managing a terrestrial ecology portfolio and offering ecological advice to clients
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of mentoring junior ecologists
• Experience working within a consultancy
• Natural England protected species licence or equivalent expertise
• CIEEM / Chartered status is strongly desirable
• Business development / client relations experience is desirable
• Full UK Driving Licence.

What you get back

• Salary of £45,000 – £60,000
• Hybrid / remote working
• Enhanced annual leave scheme and option to buy / sell days
• Professional memberships
• Mileage – 45p
• Cycle to work scheme, and more.