Principal Ecologist: Lead Biodiversity & EcIA Expert

Arcadis; Warrington; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Arcadis is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead and deliver ecological projects across the UK. You will oversee diverse surveys, assessments and biodiversity strategies, manage client relationships, and ensure compliance with environmental and health and safety standards.

You will guide a team of ecologists, drive technical excellence, and contribute to project growth while supporting mentoring and personal development within the Environmental team.

Qualifications

• Detailed knowledge of ecological principles and biodiversity metrics.
• In-depth knowledge of particular plant or animal groups and field survey skills.
• Proven track record writing PEAs, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, EcIA, and Ecology Chapters for Environmental Statements.
• Proven track record writing HRAs.
• Excellent commercial and project management skills for a range of project sizes.
• Experience with bid production and client interaction.
• Ability to line manage and potentially lead a team.
• Hold survey and/or mitigation licenses.
• Leads in design and compliance of biosecurity and health and safety protocols.
• Chartered Environmentalist/Ecologist (or approaching).
• Full member of CIEEM.
• Willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage delivery of a range of projects to meet time, budgetary and SHEQ targets.
• Ensure quality control and coordination of tasks within the unit or project team.
• Provide direction and technical advice on ecological projects.
• Support personal development and mentoring within the team.
• Travel to assign sites and client meetings as needed.

Skills

Ecological principles

Biodiversity metrics

Field survey skills

Commercial & project management

Bid production & client interaction

Line management / leadership

Licenses (survey / mitigation)

Biosecurity & health & safety

Chartered Environmentalist/Ecologist (

CIEEM membership

Willingness to travel

Education

Chartered Environmentalist/Ecologist (or approaching)

Full member of CIEEM

Job description

Arcadis is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead and deliver ecological projects across the UK. You will oversee diverse surveys, assessments and biodiversity strategies, manage client relationships, and ensure compliance with environmental and health and safety standards.

You will guide a team of ecologists, drive technical excellence, and contribute to project growth while supporting mentoring and personal development within the Environmental team.