Principal Ecologist

NRL; Sutton Coldfield; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist. This desk-based role focuses on supporting the Ecology Lead and contributing to major infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will have a strong consultancy background, exceptional report-writing skills, and a passion for ecological design. The position is flexible, allowing applicants from surrounding areas such as Birmingham or Coventry to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in a consultancy role, ideally with HS2 experience.
• Ability to produce high-quality technical reports.
• Comfortable in a desk-based role with a focus on design.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological input across licensing, mitigation, and policy development.
• Produce high-quality technical reports and documentation.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure ecological compliance.

Skills

Strong consultancy background

Exceptional report-writing skills

Analytical skills

Passionate about ecological design

Job description

Location: The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, B76 0BA
Start Date: Immediate start preferred
Shifts: Not applicable
Hybrid Policy: Not applicable

We’re seeking a highly skilled and motivated Principal Ecologist to join our clients group-wide ecology team. This is a desk-based role supporting the Ecology Lead, with a primary focus on design but offering flexibility across design, construction, and delivery phases. You’ll be part of a collaborative team of species specialists and botanists, contributing to impactful ecological work across major infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support ecological input across licensing, mitigation, and policy development
• Produce high-quality technical reports and documentation
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure ecological compliance and innovation
• Contribute to strategic planning and ecological design solutions

Candidate Profile

• Strong consultancy background (HS2 experience welcome but not essential)
• Exceptional report-writing and analytical skills
• Comfortable working in a desk-based capacity; site experience not required
• Passionate about ecological design and policy development

Location Flexibility: While the role is based at Kingsbury Compound (B76 0BA), we’re open to candidates based in Birmingham or Coventry, with occasional travel along the route as needed.

The NRL Group connects global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.

We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer.