Principal Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Wytham; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to take a senior leadership role within their Oxfordshire team. This role involves leading complex ecological assignments, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring successful project delivery. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in ecological consultancy, a relevant degree, and strong communication skills. Competitive salary with opportunities for progression in a flexible, hybrid working environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunities for progression

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Significant experience (typically 7+ years) in ecological consultancy.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex ecological projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ecological assignments from inception to completion.
• Provide high-level ecological advice to clients and project teams.
• Manage major multidisciplinary projects ensuring quality and compliance.

Skills

Project leadership

Client-facing roles

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Tools

GIS

Job description

Principal Ecologist

Location: Oxfordshire
Salary: £35,000-£45,000 DOE
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About Our Client

Our client is a respected environmental consultancy known for delivering innovative, evidence‑led ecological solutions across a wide range of development and conservation projects. They are seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to take a senior leadership role within their Oxfordshire team, driving technical excellence, supporting strategic growth, and managing high‑profile projects.

The Role

As Principal Ecologist, you will lead complex ecological assignments, act as a technical expert within the team, and ensure the successful delivery of projects from inception to completion. You will play a key role in mentoring staff, strengthening client relationships, and contributing to the long‑term development of the ecology service line.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, oversee, and review complex ecological assessments and EcIAs.
• Provide high‑level ecological advice to clients, project teams, and planning authorities.
• Manage major or multi‑disciplinary projects, ensuring quality, compliance, and timely delivery.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert in one or more specialisms (e.g., bats, habitats, licensing).
• Prepare and peer‑review technical reports, including EIAs, mitigation strategies, and licence applications.
• Mentor, supervise, and develop junior and mid‑level ecologists.
• Support business development through proposal writing, fee proposals, and client relationship management.
• Represent the ecology team at meetings, workshops, and public consultations when required.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related field.
• Significant experience (typically 7+ years) within ecological consultancy.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and national guidance.
• Demonstrable experience delivering and managing complex ecological projects.
• One or more protected species licences (e.g., bat, GCN, dormouse).
• Proven track record in client‑facing roles and project leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Skills

• Full CIEEM membership or eligibility.
• Experience contributing to or leading multi‑disciplinary environmental projects.
• Habitat creation/management design experience.
• Strong GIS or data management skills.
• Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) status or working towards it.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary of £35,000-£45,000 DOE.
• Clear opportunities for progression into technical or team leadership roles.
• Supportive and collaborative consultancy culture.
• Flexible, hybrid working and a diverse project portfolio.

Contact James Hardie at Penguin Recruitment for more information