Principal Ecologist | Remote & Flexible

Baker Street Recruitment; Stockport; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological delivery across a variety of sectors. This remote role includes undertaking ecological surveys, producing technical reports, and mentoring junior team members. Candidates should have a degree in ecology or a related field, along with experience in ecological consultancy. The role offers competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Profit share

Wellbeing allowances

Unlimited training budget

Enhanced annual leave

Volunteering leave options

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in ecology, environmental science, or related discipline.
• Experience in ecological consultancy with habitat and species surveys.
• Ability in botanical and faunal identification and survey design.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ecological surveys and produce technical reports.
• Prepare protected species licence applications and advise on mitigation.
• Mentor junior ecologists and contribute to business development.

Skills

Ecological surveys

Botanical identification

Faunal surveys

GIS tools (QGIS)

Client communication

Education

Degree in ecology or related discipline

Tools

GIS or mapping tools

Job description

We are working with a well-established environmental consultancy who are seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their UK-wide team. This is a remote role with occasional travel to project sites and team meetings offering enhanced flexibility in working patterns and hours and an exciting chance to lead on ecological delivery across a variety of sectors.

What you will be doing

• Lead manage and undertake ecological surveys including habitat assessments (e.g. UK Habitat Classification UK Hab) botanical and faunal surveys and protected species work.
• Produce technical reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and mitigation plans.
• Prepare protected species licence applications and advise on mitigation and enhancement strategies.
• Utilise GIS tools (e.g. QGIS) and mapping software to support habitat mapping, BNG calculations and project modelling.
• Provide ecological advice to clients and stakeholders on development projects regulatory compliance and nature-positive outcomes.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists delivering technical checks contributing to training and helping develop the team.
• Contribute to business development activities including bids tenders and helping shape the growth of the ecology team.

Requirements

• A degree (or equivalent) in ecology, environmental science, biology or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience working in ecological consultancy delivering habitat and protected species surveys, reporting and mitigation.
• Proven ability in botanical and faunal identification and survey design.
• Experience with EcIA, BNG assessments and / or protected species licence applications.
• Confident use of GIS or similar mapping tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills able to interface with clients, internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Membership of or eligibility for the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is desirable but not essential.

Benefits

• Flexible remote working arrangement with some site visits and occasional travel.
• Competitive salary dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Additional benefits that include profit share, wellbeing allowances and an unlimited training budget.
• Enhanced annual leave plus options for additional leave that include birthday leave, volunteering leave and purchasing arrangements.
• Opportunity for professional development and progression in a consultancy that values ecological excellence that is supported with an unlimited training budget.
• A supportive team environment where your expertise will shape project outcomes and career direction.

Required Skills

We want someone who's not only technically skilled but also brings initiative, collaboration and care to their work.

Key Skills

• Internal Control
• ABAP
• Administration Support
• Art And Craft
• Event Marketing
• Data Analysis

Employment Type: Full Time
Experience: Years
Vacancy: 1