Senior / Principal Ecologist (Cambridge based)

Jobsoid Inc.; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in Cambridge is seeking Senior and Principal Ecologists to join their ecology team. The role involves conducting biodiversity surveys, mentoring junior staff, and engaging with clients. This position offers flexible hybrid working and significant opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Non-contractual growth bonus scheme

Enhanced annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays

Loyalty Leave (up to 5 days based on continuous service)

Hybrid flexible working

Vitality Health private medical scheme

Company pension

Death in Service cover

BUPA Cash Plan

Career progression opportunities

Discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• Minimum four years relevant UK experience.
• Driving license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead habitat and species surveys.
• Conduct desk-based research and prepare reports.
• Mentor junior team members.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Data Analysis

Teamwork

Education

CIEEM Membership

Tools

GIS

Job description

Senior / Principal Ecologist

Hybrid working (remote and in-office attendance)

Location: Cambridge

Permanent, full-time or part-time

Salary: Up to £50,000 (full-time equivalent), dependent on experience

Lanpro is a market-leading, award-winning multidisciplinary consultancy specializing in Planning, Design, and the Environment. Our diverse project portfolio spans sectors including residential, historic sites and estates, renewable energy, and mixed-use developments.

We offer an exciting opportunity to join our small, growing ecology team, working closely with our Ecology Leads for the Southern Region. This role suits self-motivated individuals who enjoy site surveys, thrive in a dynamic environment, and seek a supportive team setting.

We are recruiting Senior and Principal Ecologists for our London and Cambridge offices. Applicants from both consultancy and non-consultancy backgrounds, with academic or vocational qualifications, are encouraged to apply.

About Lanpro

At Lanpro, we foster a friendly, supportive, and entrepreneurial environment. Our team is collaborative, innovative, and committed to your professional development, offering a unique and rewarding career platform.

We are proud to support large-scale renewable energy projects, including some of the UK's biggest solar and battery storage schemes, with a strong project pipeline across renewable energy, residential, and infrastructure sectors.

Our nationwide multidisciplinary team includes experts in Ecology, Planning, Architecture, Arboriculture, Archaeology, Heritage, Landscape Architecture, Geomatics, and Urban Design. Our ecology team comprises experienced professionals and species specialists, supporting diverse projects from beaver surveys in Kent to fungal eDNA assessments in Wales.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe in your potential and are committed to helping you reach it.

Employee Benefits

1. Non-contractual growth bonus scheme
2. Enhanced annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays
3. Loyalty Leave (up to 5 days based on continuous service)
4. Hybrid flexible working
5. City centre offices in Manchester, York, Edinburgh
6. Vitality Health private medical scheme
7. Company pension
8. Death in Service cover
9. BUPA Cash Plan
10. Protected CPD structure
11. Access to Atlas Learning & Development platform
12. Professional body memberships
13. Career progression opportunities
14. Discounted gym memberships
15. Cycle to Work Scheme
16. Perks: Amazon Prime, Odeon, Apple, Café Nero discounts
17. Employee Assistance Program including financial and mental health support

Role Overview

As a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you will deliver biodiversity surveys and assessments, including site surveys, data processing, and reporting. You will gain experience across project lifecycles, mentor junior staff, and develop client-facing skills.

Applicants with a passion for ecology, whether generalists or specialists, are welcome. A good understanding of relevant legislation, including the Environment Act 2021, UK Hab surveys, and the statutory biodiversity metric, is essential. Staying current with professional development is encouraged.

The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth, with tailored training programs, company-sponsored events, conferences, and ongoing development support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to design teams and project managers.
• Lead habitat and species surveys.
• Conduct desk-based research, data analysis, and prepare reports such as PEA, UKHab, EcIA, and BNG assessments.
• Prepare scope of works and fee proposals.
• Develop health and safety documentation.
• Assist in team operations, including equipment booking, work planning, and team events.
• Engage with clients, stakeholders, and regulators.
• Mentor and manage junior team members.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum four years relevant UK experience.
• Driving license preferred.
• CIEEM membership preferred.

Essential Skills and Attributes

• Team player with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to undertake site work, including overnight stays (expenses paid).
• Confident in leading surveys independently.
• Organized, able to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Strong health, safety, and wellbeing attitude.
• Excellent report writing and data analysis skills.
• Ability to review colleagues’ work and provide constructive feedback.
• Project management experience.
• Commercial awareness and application.
• Effective delegation skills.
• Supportive and mentoring mindset.
• Good knowledge of legislation and policy.

Desirable Skills and Knowledge

• Protected Species Licences and specialist skills (e.g., bat licences, GCN survey licences, ornithology, FISC).
• Experience with Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Proficiency with GIS tools (e.g., QGIS).
• Experience with bat sound analysis software (e.g., Kaleidoscope).