Principal Ecologist – Manchester - £55,000 - £65,000

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £55,000–£65,000

Professional development

Career progression

Mentoring ecology team

Job summary

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists in Manchester is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead a varied ecological portfolio and provide technical leadership across surveys, reporting and mitigation. The role combines ecology with project management, client liaison and mentoring to drive growth of the ecology team.

We are looking for someone with 5+ years of ecological consultancy experience, a relevant degree and MCIEEM membership, and strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' professional ecological consultancy experience.
• Degree or higher in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline with MCIEEM membership.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning requirements and ecological assessment.
• Experience with protected species and habitats and related licences.
• Proven project management and commercial awareness, including budgets and tenders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a varied portfolio of ecological projects from initial client discussions to completion.
• Provide senior technical input across surveys, assessments, reporting, mitigation and protected species work.
• Prepare and review ecological documentation (PEA, EcIA, HRA).
• Develop mitigation, compensation and habitat enhancement measures and advise on implementation.
• Provide ECoW support and ensure compliance with legislation and standards.
• Manage project programmes, budgets, resources and risk to deliver efficiently and commercially.
• Build relationships with clients, planning professionals, statutory bodies and stakeholders.
• Assist tenders, fee proposals and business development opportunities.
• Mentor Ecologists and support their professional development.
• Contribute to team planning, QA, health and safety, and growth of the ecology service.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Client liaison

Communication

Problem solving

Organisation

Education

Ecology degree

Environmental Science degree

MCIEEM membership

Job description

Employer:

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists

Location:

Manchester, North West, M1

Pay:

£35,000 to £46,000 per year,

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time

Disability Confident:

No

Closing Date:

11/11/2026

About this job

• Manchester - £55,000 - £65,000 The Job: An established environmental consultancy is looking for an experienced Principal.

This is a senior position suited to someone who can take ownership of complex ecological work, provide technical leadership and help develop both clients and the wider ecology team.

The role combines technical ecology with project management, client liaison, mentoring and business development, offering the opportunity to play a key part in the continued development of the consultancy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a varied portfolio of ecological projects, managing work from early client discussions through to completion
• Provide senior technical input across ecological surveys, assessments, reporting, mitigation and protected species work
• Prepare, review and oversee ecological documentation including PEA, EcIA and HRA reports
• Develop appropriate mitigation, compensation and habitat enhancement measures and provide technical advice on their implementation
• Provide ECoW support where required and ensure projects meet relevant legislation, guidance and professional standards
• Manage project programmes, budgets, resources and risks, ensuring work is delivered efficiently and commercially
• Build strong working relationships with clients, planning professionals, statutory organisations and other project stakeholders
• Support tenders, fee proposals and new business opportunities
• Mentor and develop Ecologists at different levels, providing technical guidance and supporting their professional development
• Contribute to team planning, quality assurance, health and safety and the continued growth of the ecology service The Company: The company is an established environmental consultancy delivering ecological services across a wide range of development and infrastructure projects.

The ecology team works across residential, commercial, industrial, education and other major schemes, providing opportunities to work on technically varied projects while contributing to the development of a growing team.

The Candidate:

• Minimum 5 years' professional ecological consultancy experience, with the technical ability and confidence to operate at Principal level
• Degree or higher qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline, together with full CIEEM membership (MCIEEM)
• Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning requirements and ecological assessment, with experience producing or reviewing PEA, EcIA and HRA documentation
• Proven experience with protected species and habitats, with relevant licences such as bats, GCN, otters or badgers advantageous, alongside experience of mitigation, ECoW or habitat enhancement work
• Strong project management and commercial awareness, including responsibility for budgets, programmes, client relationships, tenders and competing deadlines
• Confident leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to support and develop Ecologists while working effectively with senior colleagues and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to developing client relationships and identifying opportunities for further work
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites as required The Package:
• Salary £55,000 to £65,000 depending on experience
• Senior level role with genuine technical and leadership responsibility
• Varied ecological projects across different sectors
• Opportunity to mentor and develop a growing ecology team
• Scope to contribute to client development and business growth
• Professional development and career progression opportunities

Candidate Requirements All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for.

Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.