Principal Ecologist - Suffolk/Remote

LEAD Careers; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is hiring a Principal Ecologist to spearhead projects in Suffolk, balancing ecological integrity with client needs. The ideal candidate will possess extensive ecological knowledge, project management skills, and a passion for biodiversity. Join a team dedicated to innovative, sustainable solutions that reimagine environmental design.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive team environment

Fieldwork opportunities

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Coffee, cake, and a relaxed atmosphere

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in ecology with significant fieldwork.
• Proficient in managing projects and guiding client decisions.
• Licensed to survey bats and Great Crested Newts.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological projects, including mentoring others.
• Consult with clients on environmental sustainability.
• Design environmentally friendly solutions for various developments.

Skills

Ecological Management

Project Management

Client Advisory

Legislation Interpretation

Team Leadership

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Survey Licenses for Bats and Great Crested Newts

Job description

Role – Principal Ecologist

Location Suffolk/Remote

Salary £DOE (Enough to keep your binoculars polished and your wellies fresh)

Do you dream in Latin species names? Do you get emotional about moss? Can you ID a bat by its squeak and a badger by its vibe? Then step right up! We are looking for a Principal Ecologist with brains, banter, and a serious love of all things wild.

We are working with a multi-disciplinary consultancy in Suffolk who are looking for someone legendary to lead the ecological charge.

The company are a friendly bunch of environmental designers, ecologists, planners, and landscape dreamers who believe that nature isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s the main event. Their work blends science with creativity, policy with purpose, and muddy boots with big ideas. We specialise in helping landowners, developers, and decision-makers do better by the planet without losing their minds (or their margins). They do real solutions, nature-based, regenerative, genuinely game-changing stuff. Think wildflower meadows where car parks used to be. Wetlands that actually work. Strategic plans that don’t make you cry. If it’s good for biodiversity and built to last, they`re into it.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Leading ecological bits on projects that involve things like rivers, rewilding, and possibly the odd housing development
• Mentoring the next generation of ecowarriors (you know, the ones who still get excited about survey season)
• Advising clients on how not to destroy everything green and beautiful
• Designing clever solutions that make biodiversity go up and stakeholders go "ooh"
• Writing reports that are both scientifically robust and actually readable (we know, it's a big ask)
• Collaborating with landscape architects, hydrologists, planners, and possibly someone named Steve from drainage

ABOUT YOU

• You’ve been doing ecology so long, your field notebook has vintage status
• You’re confident managing projects, budgets, and the occasional overly enthusiastic badger enthusiast
• You hold survey licences for bats and Great Crested Newts (and are not afraid to use them)
• You can interpret legislation, guide BNG plans, and tell a client “no, you can’t just move the pond” — all in the same breath
• You’re a people-person with enough ecological gravitas to lead teams and charm clients

Bonus points if you:

• Have magical GIS powers
• Speak fluent planning policy
• Can carry a phase 1 kit, thermos, and folding chair in one trip

PERKS OF THE ROLE

• Flexibility to work from wherever your Wi-Fi works and your dog isn’t barking
• Projects that aren’t soul-destroying
• Lovely team with a high tolerance for Latin puns
• Regular fieldwork if you like it, minimal fieldwork if you don’t
• CPD, coffee, cake, and occasional chaos

If you’ve got the experience, the enthusiasm, and a mild obsession with biodiversity, we’d love to hear from you.

THE NEXT STEP

If you are interested in seeing the full job description for this Principal Ecologist role or any other similar opportunities, please click apply and upload your CV. Alternatively, you can contact Amanda Costello on 07501 387866.

All applications for this Principal Ecologist role will remain completely confidential between yourself and Amanda at LEAD Careers You will not be added to any mailing lists and rest assured your details would NOT be passed on to anyone without your prior authorisation.

Additionally, please connect on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest news.

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/amanda-costello-54635a139

Ecologist Jobs in Suffolk, Ecology Jobs East Anglia