Senior Ecologist & Technical Leader — Mentoring & Delivery

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

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Manchester seeks a Principal Ecologist to take ownership of complex ecological projects, lead the ecology team, and drive client relationships. The role blends technical ecology with project management, mentoring, and opportunities for business development.

Candidates should have 5+ years in ecological consultancy, MCIEEM membership, and UK wildlife legislation expertise. A driving licence and willingness to travel are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' professional ecological consultancy experience.
• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related field with MCIEEM membership (MCIEEM).
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning requirements and ecological assessment.
• Experience producing or reviewing PEA, EcIA and HRA documentation.
• Licences for protected species (bats, GCN, otters or badgers) advantageous; experience in mitigation, ECoW or habitat enhancement.
• Strong project management and commercial awareness, including budgets and tenders.
• Confident leadership and mentoring skills with senior stakeholders.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of ecological projects from initial client discussions to completion.
• Provide senior technical input across surveys, assessments, reporting, mitigation and protected species work.
• Prepare, review and oversee EcIA, PEA and HRA reports.
• Develop mitigation, compensation and habitat enhancement measures; provide technical advice.
• Provide ECoW support and ensure compliance with legislation and standards.
• Manage programmes, budgets, resources and risk; deliver work efficiently and commercially.
• Build relationships with clients, planning professionals and stakeholders.
• Support tenders, fee proposals and new business opportunities.
• Mentor Ecologists at different levels and support professional development.
• Contribute to team planning, quality assurance, and health and safety.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Client liaison

Mentoring

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

MCIEEM membership

Tools

GIS

MS Office

Job description

A leading environmental consultancy in Manchester seeks a Principal Ecologist to take ownership of complex ecological projects, lead the ecology team, and drive client relationships. The role blends technical ecology with project management, mentoring, and opportunities for business development.

Candidates should have 5+ years in ecological consultancy, MCIEEM membership, and UK wildlife legislation expertise. A driving licence and willingness to travel are required.