Principal Ecologist – Full Time – Cambridge

Catering; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Private healthcare

Pension

Generous leave

Job summary

A leading UK environmental consultancy in Cambridge is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their established team. You will lead ecological inputs on projects from concept to delivery and mentor junior ecologists.

Applicants should have significant ecology consultancy experience, strong knowledge of UK/EU wildlife legislation, and a track record of managing complex projects. Hybrid working and a comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in ecological consultancy or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Proven experience managing ecological aspects of complex projects.
• Expertise in one or more specialist areas (e.g. bats, great crested newts, ornithology, botany).
• Full member of CIEEM (or eligible).
• Project management and client-facing experience.
• Protected species licences (desirable).
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Leading and delivering ecological inputs on a range of projects from concept to completion.
• Designing and overseeing ecological surveys and assessments (including EIA and HRA).
• Providing technical review and quality assurance of reports.
• Managing client relationships and contributing to business development.
• Supporting the development and mentoring of junior ecologists.
• Ensuring work is delivered in line with current legislation, best practice, and client expectations.

Skills

Ecology

Project management

Client-facing

Education

CIEEM membership (or eligible)

Job description

Principal Ecologist – Cambridge

A leading UK environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their Cambridge-based team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking ecologist to take the next step in their career within a supportive and well-established consultancy, which forms part of a larger global environmental and engineering group.

Company Benefits;

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and market rates
• Flexible/hybrid working to support work-life balance
• Exciting, high-profile projects across infrastructure, renewables, water, and built environment sectors
• Clear progression pathways and structured career development
• Collaborative, inclusive team culture with access to technical experts across disciplines
• Comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension, and generous leave policies
• Strong commitment to sustainability and biodiversity net gain

Key responsibilities include;

• Leading and delivering ecological inputs on a range of projects from concept to completion
• Designing and overseeing ecological surveys and assessments (including EIA and HRA)
• Providing technical review and quality assurance of reports
• Managing client relationships and contributing to business development
• Supporting the development and mentoring of junior ecologists
• Ensuring work is delivered in line with current legislation, best practice, and client expectations

You will ideally have;

• Significant experience in ecological consultancy or a similar role
• Strong understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and planning policy
• Proven experience managing ecological aspects of complex projects
• Expertise in one or more specialist areas (e.g. bats, great crested newts, ornithology, botany)
• Full member of CIEEM (or eligible)
• Project management and client-facing experience
• Protected species licences (desirable)
• Full UK driving licence

Salary: £47000 – £55000/annum

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire