Senior / Principal Ecologist

CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long leave package

Professional development

Career progression to Principal

Hybrid/home-based with London office

Flexible working

TOIL and overtime

Bonus scheme

Employee ownership plan

Job summary

ACP Environmental Consultants is recruiting a Senior / Principal Ecologist to lead ecological surveys, oversee high-quality reports and manage projects from instruction to delivery. The role requires a minimum of 5 years' consultancy experience and the ability to provide technical guidance to junior staff.

You will work on a mix of site visits and office-based work, with home-based arrangements and optional travel to clients in London.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience in ecological consultancy.
• Full or Associate CIEEM membership, or eligibility to apply.
• Level 2 Bat Survey Licence required.
• Significant experience managing ecological projects and reporting (UKHab surveys).
• Strong project management and client communication skills.
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation and planning guidance.
• Valid UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological surveys and supervise project delivery.
• Produce and review high-quality ecological reports.
• Manage projects from instruction through delivery.
• Provide technical guidance to junior colleagues.
• Advise clients professionally and travel to site visits.

Skills

Project management

Client communication

Technical report writing

Independent working

Team collaboration

Education

Full or Associate CIEEM membership, or eligibility to apply

Level 2 Bat Survey Licence

Full UK driving licence

Tools

ArcGIS / QGIS

R

Excel

Job description

Senior / Principal Ecologist

Location: Home-based, with the option to work from our London office

Contract: Full-time, Permanent (3-month probation)

Salary: £45,000–£60,000 per year, depending on experience

Start date: As soon as possible

About us

ACP Environmental Consultants is a small, friendly ecological consultancy based in England, providing a range of ecological services to support planning and development projects. We work with a variety of clients, delivering practical and high-quality ecological advice from initial surveys and assessments through to project delivery.

As a small team, we take a collaborative approach to our work and value everyone’s contribution. Joining ACP at this stage provides the opportunity to take on responsibility, develop your career and play an active role in shaping the future of the company.

We value high-quality technical work, good communication and a positive working environment. We are committed to supporting professional development and providing a flexible working environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious ecologist with 5+ years’ consultancy experience who is ready to take the next step in their career, with a clear pathway to Principal Ecologist.

The successful candidate will lead ecological surveys, produce and review a range of high-quality ecological reports, and manage projects from instruction through to delivery. You will also provide technical guidance to more junior colleagues and contribute to the continued growth and development of the team.

The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively is essential, alongside the confidence to advise colleagues and clients in a professional and friendly manner. The role will involve travel for site visits. Where possible, we aim to keep travel relatively local to your base, although occasional longer-distance travel and overnight stays may be required.

Essential criteria

• At least 5 years’ experience in ecological consultancy
• Full or Associate CIEEM membership, or eligibility to apply
• Level 2 Bat Survey Licence
• Significant experience managing ecological projects, surveys and reporting, including UKHab surveys and habitat condition assessments
• Strong project management and client communication skills
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant wildlife legislation and policy
• Strong familiarity with relevant survey and ecological guidelines for planning and development
• Strong technical report writing skills
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable criteria

• Great Crested Newt (GCN) Licence
• FISC Level 4 in botanical identification
• Experience using GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS) for mapping
• Experience using R and/or Excel for data manipulation and analysis
• Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
• Experience with protected species licensing

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays, your birthday off, and 3 additional days off between Christmas and New Year when the company is closed
• Excellent professional development opportunities, including training and support towards professional chartership or membership
• Clear progression pathway to Principal Ecologist
• Home-based working with the option to work from our London office
• Flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance
• TOIL (Time Off in Lieu) and paid overtime, recognising the demands of seasonal fieldwork
• Company bonus scheme
• Opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of ACP, with the company working towards employee ownership