Principal Ecologist in Leeds)

Penguin Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Leeds is seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to provide technical leadership on ecological projects. The role involves mentoring a team, designing ecological surveys, and advising clients to create sustainable outcomes. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in consultancy and a strong understanding of UK habitats and legislation. This position offers hybrid working options and a supportive culture for career development.

Benefits

Supportive working culture

Flexible working options

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior or Principal Ecologist within consultancy.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK habitats, protected species legislation, and planning policy.
• Excellent report writing and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects.
• Lead and mentor a team of ecologists.
• Design and manage ecological surveys and assessments.
• Provide expert ecological advice to clients and stakeholders.
• Support business development.

Skills

Strong technical knowledge of UK habitats

Project management skills

Excellent report writing

Collaborative approach

Education

Full membership (or eligibility) of CIEEM

Job description

Principal Ecologist - Leeds

£40,000 + DOE

Our client: A leading, multidisciplinary environmental consultancy

Our client is seeking a passionate and experienced Principal Ecologist to join their growing team based in Leeds. This is an exciting opportunity to take a lead role in the delivery of high-quality ecological projects across the UK, working with a dynamic team of specialists who are committed to creating sustainable and nature-positive outcomes.

The role:

As a Principal Ecologist, you'll provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects, from strategic assessments and biodiversity net gain (BNG) planning to complex protected species work. You'll be involved in:

• Leading and mentoring a team of ecologists.
• Designing and managing ecological surveys and assessments.
• Overseeing the delivery of project outputs to a high professional standard.
• Providing expert ecological advice to clients and stakeholders.
• Supporting business development and contributing to the company's continued growth.

About you:

• Proven experience as a Senior or Principal Ecologist within consultancy.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK habitats, protected species legislation, and planning policy.
• Full membership (or eligibility) of CIEEM.
• Excellent report writing and project management skills.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and the ability to inspire and support junior colleagues.

Why join:

Our client offers a supportive and flexible working culture, with opportunities to shape your role and career direction. You'll be joining an organisation that values innovation, professional development, and genuine sustainability at its core.

Location: Leeds (hybrid and flexible working options available)

Salary: £40,000 + dependent on experience

If you're ready to take the next step in your ecology career and lead impactful projects with purpose, we'd love to hear from you.