Principle Ecologist

VGC; Willenhall; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their team based in Coventry. This role involves providing ecological expertise for significant infrastructure projects, overseeing delivery in line with environmental standards, and engaging with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have substantial knowledge in ecological design and planning, and a degree in ecology or a related field. Competitive daily rate offered.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in ecological design and delivery, ideally on large projects.
• Deep understanding of UK ecological legislation and planning requirements.
• Proven experience with protected species mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Provide ecological technical expertise across all stages of design.
• Integrate ecological mitigation into civil engineering designs.
• Oversee habitat creation and enhancement delivery.

Skills

Ecological design

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Mitigation licensing

Education

Degree in ecology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS platforms

Job description

Role

Principal Ecologist. Based in Kingsbury, Coventry, Birmingham. £(Apply online only) per day (can operate via Ltd company). 6 month rolling contract.

Overview

The Role: An experienced and driven Ecological Design & Delivery Specialist to play a key part in the delivery of one of the UK's largest and most ambitious infrastructure and environmental projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide ecological technical expertise and guidance across all stages of design and delivery.
• Integrate ecological mitigation into civil engineering and landscape designs.
• Oversee delivery in line with contractual, legislative, and technical standards.
• Inspire and guide a team of ecologists within the Natural Capital function.
• Review and assure high-quality ecological reports and deliverables.
• Design and monitor protected species mitigation measures.
• Oversee and assure the delivery of habitat creation and enhancement.
• Lead adaptive management using habitat monitoring data.
• Resolve design and delivery challenges with proactive, practical solutions.
• Drive ecological considerations into programme planning and delivery schedules.
• Ensure designs align with environmental standards, including the Environmental Statement, LEMPs, ESMPs and No Net Loss databases.
• Support project handover and compliance with protected species licensing.

Experience & Qualifications

• Significant experience in ecological design and delivery, ideally on NSIPs or large infrastructure projects.
• Deep understanding of UK ecological legislation and planning requirements.
• Proven experience with protected species mitigation and relevant licensing.
• Excellent project management, organisational and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Degree (or higher) in ecology or related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GIS platforms.
• Membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to join).
• Full UK driver's licence.
• Experience in engaging with Natural England and stakeholders on mitigation licensing.

Desirable

• Holder of protected species mitigation licences.
• Experience aligning designs with habitat monitoring and adaptive management.
• Knowledge of Schedule 17 submissions and Scheme of Mitigation processes.

If this is something of interest then please do apply with the most up to date copy of your CV