Principal Ecology Consultant

Haskoning; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical and dental cover

Pension with employer contributions +

Profit sharing and employee share plan

Hybrid work model with home office

25 days vacation, option to buy 10

Learning and development programmes

Job summary

Haskoning is seeking a Principal Ecology Consultant to lead complex terrestrial ecology projects, providing expert input from feasibility through to delivery. You will mentor junior staff, engage with clients and help shape our growing ecology practice.

You bring 10+ years of consultancy experience, a degree in ecology or related field, and licences/membership enabling advanced protected species work. Hybrid working and a broad benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• Extensive ecological consultancy experience, typically over 10 years, across development projects, including surveys, technical reports and project delivery.
• Degree in ecology, environmental science or related discipline, with consideration for equivalent non-degree qualifications.
• Experience preparing and reviewing Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Protected Species and Habitat Mitigation Strategies, Ecological Management Plans, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, Licence applications and Method Statements.
• One or more Natural England protected species survey licences and full CIEEM membership; CEcol or CEnv status advantageous.
• Experience managing projects, budgets and client relationships, with willingness to travel and a valid UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex terrestrial ecology projects as principal technical lead.
• Oversee protected species surveys and ecological fieldwork on multiple projects.
• Prepare and review ecological assessments, mitigation strategies and management plans.
• Support project management and client engagement; contribute to business development.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Client engagement

Communication

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Education

Ecology/environmental science degree

Equivalent qualifications considered

Job description

Are you an experienced ecologist ready to take the lead on complex projects and help shape the future of our growing ecology practice? As a Principal Ecology Consultant at Haskoning, you will combine your technical expertise with leadership, client engagement and mentoring skills to deliver practical solutions that make a positive difference for nature and society.

What Will You Do As a Principal Ecology Consultant

As our new Principal Ecology Consultant, you will lead complex terrestrial ecology projects, providing expert advice from early feasibility and bid stages through to planning, construction and post-consent delivery. As a technical lead within the ecology team, you will ensure high-quality outputs and mentor junior colleagues.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Overseeing and delivering protected species surveys and other ecological fieldwork across a range of projects.
• Preparing and reviewing ecological assessments, mitigation strategies and management plans.
• Supporting project management and client engagement, helping to maintain strong client relationships and deliver projects effectively.
• Contributing to business development activities, including identifying opportunities and preparing proposals.

Where You Will Work

At Haskoning, you will join an independent, employee-owned international consultancy that combines engineering, design and consultancy services with software and technology. Guided by our mission, Enhancing Society Together, we bring over 140 years of expertise to projects that make a positive difference for society. Our 6,800 colleagues across more than 25 countries include over 700 people working across multiple UK offices. Our multidisciplinary teams help shape the built and natural environment through projects ranging from resilient coastal defences and the energy transition to smart ports, data centres and sustainable urban development.

Within our ecology practice, you will work alongside colleagues from other disciplines to integrate ecological expertise into these projects, helping to balance development needs with positive outcomes for nature.

Do you want to read more about working for Haskoning in the UK? You can read it here.

What You Bring

You are a proactive and dependable technical specialist with strong leadership, mentoring and client-facing skills. Adaptable and commercially aware, you bring strong communication, organisational and analytical skills, alongside the motivation to support the continued growth of our ecology team.

Knowledge You’ll Bring To The Team

• Extensive ecological consultancy experience, typically over 10 years, across a range of development projects, including the design and management of ecological surveys, technical report writing and project delivery.
• A relevant degree in ecology, environmental science or a related discipline, although equivalent non-degree qualifications will also be considered.
• Experience preparing and reviewing a range of ecological assessments and strategies, including Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Protected Species and Habitat Mitigation Strategies, Ecological Management Plans, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, Protected Species Licence applications and Method Statements.
• One or more Natural England protected species survey licences and full membership of CIEEM; experience as a mitigation licence holder or named ecologist on mitigation licences, and CEcol or CEnv status, would be advantageous.
• Experience managing projects, budgets and client relationships, alongside a willingness to travel occasionally and a valid UK driving licence.

What We Offer You

At Haskoning, we believe that the well-being of our employees is essential to our shared success. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your professional development and personal well-being.

What we offer:

• A solid foundation: A competitive base salary reflecting your skills and experience.
• An attractive compensation package: Including pension accrual through our own pension fund with an employer contribution of 7% and annual profit sharing, where 40% of our profit is distributed among employees. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase company shares and share in our success.
• Work-life balance: 25 vacation days (based on full-time employment), with the option to purchase an additional 10 days per year and to exchange three public holidays for days that are personally meaningful to you. We work in a hybrid model with flexible hours, home office allowance, and a fully equipped home workspace.
• Development opportunities: A wide range of training and development programmes, including tailored learning paths, learning weeks, and various knowledge-sharing groups.
• Informal and inclusive culture: A welcoming and open environment with voluntary social and sports activities, and employee networks such as Pride and Young Haskoning.
• Private medical and dental cover: Fully paid for by the company, with the option to extend cover to your family at discounted rates.

You can read more about our benefits on this page.

Don't just take our word for it… in July 2025 we were recognised as theBest Place to Work in the Large Consulting Firm category at the UK's prestigious New Civil Engineer Awards. This recognises our commitment to putting people first and creating a nurturing employee environment.

Are you our new colleague?

You will be based in one our offices where other Environmental colleague are based, hybrid working is possible.

At Haskoning, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our mission of "Enhancing Society Together" drives us to create an environment that embraces everyone's unique background, identity, and perspective. Regardless of your experience, background, age, gender, or other personal characteristics: you are welcome here. We believe that diversity makes us stronger and that an inclusive culture gives everyone the opportunity to grow and contribute.

Read more about our ED&I initiatives on our dedicated webpage.