Principal Ecologist

isepglobal; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Growth bonus

Enhanced leave

Pension contributions

Private medical insurance

Job summary

Hunter Dunning is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological commissions across energy infrastructure and residential development projects. Based from one of several regional offices with hybrid working, you will travel across northern England and mentor junior ecologists while delivering high-quality reports.

You will manage EcIA, HRA and BNG projects, review technical work, develop client relationships and help grow the ecology service across the practice.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science required.
• Significant ecological consultancy experience.
• Excellent reporting and policy knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological commissions from inception through completion.
• Manage EcIA, HRA and BNG projects.
• Review reports and maintain technical quality.
• Mentor ecologists and support consistent standards.
• Manage clients, budgets, resources and programmes.

Skills

Ecology consultancy experience

EcIA/HRA/BNG expertise

Project & budget management

UK planning policy knowledge

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Job description

Principal Ecologist

Location
York, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh

Salary
55,000 - 70,000

Employment Type
Permanent, full-time or part-time

Job Overview
A permanent opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological commissions across energy infrastructure and residential development projects. Based from one of several regional offices with hybrid working and travel across northern England, the position suits an experienced ecological consultant with strong technical, project management and mentoring capabilities.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead ecological commissions from inception through completion
• Manage EcIA, HRA and BNG projects
• Review reports and maintain technical quality
• Mentor ecologists and support consistent standards
• Manage clients, budgets, resources and programmes

You will contribute to bids and tenders, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and represent the practice at relevant industry events. The position combines technical delivery with responsibility for developing ecology services and supporting future team growth.

Skills & Experience Required

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or equivalent
• Significant ecological consultancy experience
• Strong EcIA, HRA and BNG expertise
• Proven project and budget management experience
• CIEEM membership or equivalent professional membership

You must demonstrate excellent technical reporting and review skills, alongside detailed knowledge of UK planning policy, ecological legislation and best practice. A full UK driving licence is required for travel between offices and project sites.

Protected species licensing, major infrastructure, NSIP, mentoring or line management experience would be beneficial. Applicants should be comfortable maintaining client relationships while working collaboratively across environmental and development disciplines.

Salary & Benefits

55,000 - 70,000, hybrid working and flexible full-time or part-time arrangements. Benefits include enhanced leave, pension contributions, death in service cover, protected CPD, professional membership support, private medical insurance, wellbeing support, cycle-to-work provision and a non-contractual growth bonus.

About Hunter Dunning

Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long-term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market. We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety and wider construction roles.