Principal Ecologist

RPS Group Limited; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecology firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead and manage ecological projects across multiple sectors including renewable energy. The role involves authoring detailed ecology reports and collaborating with diverse teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of UK planning and environmental legislation and relevant qualifications in ecology. This opportunity offers professional growth, a collaborative environment, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Accredited training programs

Hybrid working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience with ecological project management.
• Ability to conduct and interpret ecological surveys.
• Full UK driving licence required; willing to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ecological projects in the East of England.
• Author and review ecology reports, including EcIA and HRA.
• Design and implement ecological mitigation strategies.

Skills

Knowledge of the UK planning system

Ecological assessments

Protected species licensing

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Ecology

CIEEM Membership

Job description

RPS, a Tetra Tech company is looking for a Principal Ecologist to be based in one of the many locations we have available.

About the Team

Our Ecology team delivers a range of ecological services to support renewable energy, residential, commercial and infrastructure projects across the region. We are involved with some of the largest off‑shore wind developments in the country, as well as on‑shore wind and solar, helping to deliver clean energy to the UK market. We also have a strong presence in the residential and commercial market, providing variety to the work we do.

Your Impact

Join RPS, a Tetra Tech company to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting‑edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world‑class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to grow your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

What you will be doing

• Lead and manage complex ecological projects as part of a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, residential, and commercial projects throughout the East of England, including Town and Country Planning Act developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
• Author, and peer review, a range of ecology reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Environmental Statement (ES) Ecology Chapters.
• Contribute to the development of the team through providing in‑house training, support and line management to junior team members.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team of ecologists.
• Lead negotiations with Natural England, County Ecologists, Local Authority planning officers, and stakeholders.
• Complete Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, interpreting and evaluating the Biodiversity Metric to deliver pragmatic on‑ and off‑site solutions to our clients.
• Project management including preparation of fee proposals/tenders, invoicing and management of project finances.
• Design and implement ecological mitigation strategies including mitigation licences for bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and water vole.

Who we are looking for

• You will have sound knowledge of the UK planning system and environmental legislation relevant to the role.
• You will be competent in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments (FISC level 4 highly desirable but not essential).
• You’ll be able to design and complete a range of typical ecology surveys, and interpret the findings to inform robust ecological assessments and deliver pragmatic solutions to clients.
• You’ll have experience designing/delivering ecological mitigation including protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
• We are looking for a team player – someone to support our small team as we grow, but also the ability to work independently.
• Good time‑keeping and communication skills are important to us.
• You will hold a full UK driving licence, insured for business purposes, and be willing to travel to sites throughout the region (some level of overnight accommodation may be required).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Ecology or closely related field.
• CIEEM Membership.
• Hold at least one protected species survey licence (great crested newt and bats highly desirable).
• FISC Level 4 highly desirable but not essential.

What is in it for you

We’re proud to be an accredited training provider, internationally recognised and providing robust fully accredited professional training programmes – to master’s degree level professional qualifications in leadership & management and executive coaching & mentoring, we provide learning and development for everyone. We support our people to innovate, collaborate and build meaningful careers. Our network of people and knowledge will expand your horizons and give you access to a variety of interesting projects.

Embracing diverse ideas, perspectives, and thinking styles is at the heart of what we do. We need a mix of experiences and techniques to develop the ideas. We respect one another and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. You’ll be joining a diverse community of experts and a company that puts its people first and prioritises their wellbeing.

Why choose RPS, a Tetra Tech company

In 2023 RPS joined Tetra Tech, enabling us to combine our expertise with the reach and resources of a prestigious global organisation. We design, and manage projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability. As part of Tetra Tech’s strong team across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we deliver solutions that create lasting value in an increasingly urbanised and resource‑scarce world. By leveraging our global expertise, we enable our clients to develop winning solutions for their clients and communities.

As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to provide market‑leading development and project opportunities for our people, supporting their growth while addressing the challenges that matter. Our people drive our success, and this is where you come to build a career.

We’re a connected community, working together to achieve exceptional outcomes. We understand the need to work flexibly, empowering our people to create a work‑life balance that’s right for them. We also understand the importance of collaboration and social connection in the office environment. With agile offices and hybrid working offered as standard, we trust our people to find the right balance to meet client needs – this is a workplace that works for you.