Principal Ecologist & Technical Leader

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

Job summary

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd in Manchester is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead complex ecological projects, provide technical direction, and contribute to business growth within a growing environmental consultancy.

You will mentor junior ecologists, manage client relationships, and oversee delivery from surveys to reporting, ensuring compliance with UK wildlife legislation and professional standards. A senior level role with travel to project sites.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' professional ecological consultancy experience.
• Degree or higher in Ecology or Environmental Science with MCIEEM membership.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning requirements and ecological assessments.
• Experience producing or reviewing PEA, EcIA and HRA documentation.
• Proven experience with protected species and habitats; licences such as bats, GCN, otters or badgers are advantageous.
• Strong project management and commercial awareness including budgets, programmes, client relationships, tenders and deadlines.
• Confident leadership and mentoring skills to develop Ecologists at different levels.
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills; proactive in developing client relationships.

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 mitigation, compensation and habitat enhancement measures and provide technical advice on implementation
• Provide ECoW support and ensure projects meet legislation, guidance and professional standards
• Manage project programmes, budgets, resources and risks, ensuring timely and commercial delivery
• Build strong relationships with clients, planning professionals, statutory organisations and stakeholders
• Support tenders, fee proposals and new business opportunities
• Mentor and develop Ecologists at different levels with guidance and professional development
• Contribute to team planning, quality assurance, health and safety and growth of ecology service

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client liaison

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Ecology / Environmental Science

MCIEEM membership

Job description

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd in Manchester is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead complex ecological projects, provide technical direction, and contribute to business growth within a growing environmental consultancy.

You will mentor junior ecologists, manage client relationships, and oversee delivery from surveys to reporting, ensuring compliance with UK wildlife legislation and professional standards. A senior level role with travel to project sites.