Principal Ecologist in Cardiff

Energy Jobline CVL; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Career progression

Supportive team

Involvement in large projects

Job summary

Energy Jobline CVL in Cardiff is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead complex ecological projects from surveys through to delivery. You will review technical reports, provide strategic direction, manage project teams, and maintain strong client relationships.

The role offers a flexible, hybrid working pattern, with clear progression opportunities within a growing environmental consultancy and a collaborative team culture across infrastructure, energy, and development sectors.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in ecology projects.
• Proven project management and client-facing skills.
• Strong technical expertise across UK ecology and protected species.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ecological projects from surveys through delivery.
• Review and approve technical reports (PEAs, EcIAs, BNG).
• Mentor junior and senior staff and manage project teams.
• Maintain strong client relationships and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client-facing

UK ecology

Job description

Principal Ecologist

£44,000 - £50,000

Cardiff

A well-established, UK-based environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join its expanding team in Cardiff. With over 20 years of experience and a team of more than 150 specialists, the company delivers high-quality ecological and environmental services across sectors including infrastructure, energy, and development. Known for its innovative and pragmatic approach, the business supports clients in achieving compliance while delivering positive environmental outcomes.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Principal Ecologist looking to take a leading role within a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment in Cardiff.

What's on offer?

• Attractive salary £41,000 - £50,000
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Clear progression opportunities within a growing consultancy
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Involvement in nationally significant and large-scale projects

The principal ecologist will lead complex ecological projects, providing technical oversight and strategic direction from initial survey through to delivery. You will review and approve technical reports (PEAs, EcIAs, BNG assessments), managing project teams, mentoring junior and senior staff, and maintaining strong client relationships.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Principal Ecologist or in a senior leadership ecology role
• Strong technical expertise across UK ecology and protected species
• Proven project management and client-facing experience
• Full UK driving licence
• Full right to work in the UK
• Must live in or near to the Cardiff office