Principal Ecologist

enims; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing days

Enhanced annual leave

Company pool car

Job summary

Enims is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead high‑quality ecological consultancy across the UK, delivering complex projects and providing technical direction. You will manage client relationships, sign off reports and mentor junior staff, helping grow the business and maintain technical excellence.

The role supports flexible remote/hybrid working, with a strong team culture and emphasis on sustainable outcomes for clients and the environment.

Qualifications

• Hold a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Substantial consultancy experience within the ecology sector.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological best practice.
• Experience delivering EcIA, BNG assessments, protected species work and habitat surveys.
• Be capable of managing projects, budgets and client relationships.
• Possess excellent report writing, communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex ecological projects, providing strategic direction from tender stage through to completion.
• Act as a technical lead on EcIA, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA) and protected species projects.
• Manage project teams, programmes, budgets and resources to ensure successful delivery and commercial performance.
• Review and sign off technical reports, ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance.
• Provide expert ecological advice to clients, planning authorities and multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, identifying opportunities for repeat business.
• Support business growth through proposal writing, fee preparation and framework submissions.
• Mentor and support ecologists across all grades, helping to develop technical capability and professional growth.
• Contribute to the development of company standards, technical guidance and best practice processes.
• Support habitat creation, restoration and long-term management projects.
• Maintain knowledge of legislation and policy, translating into client-focused solutions.
• Attend site visits, client meetings and workshops.
• Represent Enims professionally within the sector.
• Complete mandatory training and contribute to continuous improvement.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Project management

Client liaison

Technical report writing

Education

Degree in Ecology

Job description

At Enims, we’re passionate about creating positive outcomes for people, nature, and the built environment. As our business continues to grow, we’re looking for an experienced Principal Ecologist to join our expanding team.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in the delivery of complex and varied ecological projects across the UK, working with a diverse client base across multiple sectors. You’ll enjoy the flexibility of remote and hybrid working while remaining connected to a collaborative and supportive team that values technical excellence, innovation and sustainable solutions.

No two days are the same at Enims. From Biodiversity Net Gain strategies and protected species surveys to ecological impact assessments and habitat management plans, you’ll work on projects that are interesting, challenging and rewarding.

The Role

As a Principal Ecologist, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality ecological consultancy services, managing projects, supporting clients, and contributing to the continued growth and technical excellence of the business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the delivery of complex ecological projects, providing strategic direction from tender stage through to completion.
• Act as a technical lead on Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA) and protected species projects.
• Manage project teams, programmes, budgets and resources to ensure successful project delivery and commercial performance.
• Review and sign off technical reports, ensuring the highest standards of quality, accuracy and compliance.
• Provide expert ecological advice to clients, planning authorities and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, identifying opportunities for repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Support business growth through proposal writing, fee preparation, framework submissions and business development activities.
• Mentor and support ecologists across all grades, helping to develop technical capability and professional growth within the team.
• Contribute to the development of company standards, technical guidance and best practice processes.
• Support the delivery of habitat creation, restoration and long-term management projects, ensuring solutions are practical and ecologically robust.
• Maintain a strong understanding of relevant legislation, planning policy and emerging industry practices, translating these into client-focused solutions.
• Undertake site visits and attend client meetings, stakeholder workshops and public consultations where required.
• Represent Enims professionally within the sector, developing relationships with clients, regulators and industry partners.
• Complete mandatory training and actively contribute to the continual improvement of Enims’ technical excellence, sustainability objectives and quality standards.

We’re looking for an experienced and commercially aware ecologist who combines strong technical expertise with a practical and solution-focused approach.

You will ideally:

Hold a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.

Have substantial consultancy experience within the ecology sector.

Demonstrate strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological best practice.

Have experience delivering EcIA, BNG assessments, protected species work and habitat surveys.

Be confident managing projects, budgets and client relationships.

Possess excellent report writing, communication and organisational skills.

Be capable of working independently while contributing positively to a wider team.

Hold protected species licences (desirable).

Be a Full or Chartered Member of CIEEM (desirable).

Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.

Most importantly, you’ll be professional, collaborative and passionate about delivering sustainable outcomes for clients and the environment.

Why Join Enims?

At Enims, we’re proud of our collaborative and supportive culture. We work hard, celebrate success together, and invest in the development of our people. Guided by our core values of respect, professionalism, innovation and sustainability, we create an environment where individuals can thrive while delivering meaningful outcomes for our clients and the natural environment.

We Offer

Flexible remote/hybrid working arrangements.

A varied and exciting project portfolio across the UK.

Opportunities for career progression and professional development.

A supportive and experienced team environment.

The opportunity to help shape and grow a dynamic ecological consultancy.

A generous employment package including wellbeing days, enhanced annual leave and access to a company pool car.

A culture that values collaboration, trust and professional excellence.

We welcome applications from passionate, proactive professionals who are looking to make a genuine impact through their work and grow their career with an ambitious and supportive consultancy.