Senior/Principal Ecologists

Advance TRS; Haywards Heath; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in ecology is seeking a Senior/Principal Ecologist to join their team in Haywards Heath or Portsmouth. In this role, you will provide technical expertise and manage projects associated with environmental assessments and habitat restoration. We are looking for candidates with a degree in Ecology and extensive consultancy experience. The position offers competitive pay, an excellent benefits package, and opportunities for professional development in a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible hybrid working

Professional development support

Generous training budget

Profit-sharing mechanism

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of wildlife and conservation legislation.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and guidance on ecological surveys.
• Manage projects to meet quality standards and budgets.
• Conduct habitat and species surveys.
• Mentor staff and share best practices.
• Collaborate with clients for business development.

Skills

Experience in ecological consultancy

Ecological field skills

Project management experience

Business development acumen

Education

BSc and/or MSc in Ecology or a related field

Full membership with CIEEM

Job description

Senior/Principal Ecologist

Salary: £40,000k-60,000k (dependent on experience)

Location: Haywards Heath/Portsmouth

Type: Permanent, Hybrid

About the Role

Due to continued success and plans for growth, our client is seeking experienced and enthusiastic Senior and Principal Ecologists to join their team in Haywards Heath or Portsmouth. As part of an award‑winning team, you'll work on diverse projects, including habitat creation, river restoration, flood risk management, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments. The team specialises in wetland and riverine environments, collaborating across disciplines such as engineering, geomorphology, and landscape to promote natural systems and nature‑based solutions.

About the Client

Our client is a leading, independent environmental and engineering consultancy with offices in nine countries, including the UK and Ireland. They are employee‑owned, allowing them to prioritise innovation and exceptional service, and they place sustainability and climate resilience at the core of their strategy. With a strong focus on staff development, they invest in their workforce through a comprehensive professional development programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise, guidance, and review of ecological surveys, impact assessments, and mitigation strategies.
• Manage projects, ensuring they meet quality standards, timelines, and budgets.
• Undertake habitat and species surveys and deliver high‑quality reports, including PEAs, EcIAs, and HRAs.
• Mentor and develop staff, sharing knowledge and best practices.
• Collaborate with clients, manage relationships, and contribute to business development through networking and tender preparation.

What Our Client is Looking For

• BSc and/or MSc in Ecology or a related field.
• Full membership with CIEEM (Chartered status is advantageous or on the pathway).
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy, with strong knowledge of wildlife and conservation legislation, including Habitats Regulations.
• Excellent ecological field skills, project management experience, and business development acumen.
• Full UK driving licence.

What Our Client Offers

• Competitive salary and flexible hybrid working.
• An excellent benefits package, including professional development support and a generous training budget.
• Employee‑owned structure, with profit‑sharing through the Employee‑Owned Benefit scheme.
• Focus on mental health and well‑being, with regular social activities and a work‑life balance initiative.
• Participation in sustainability and community outreach programmes, including the JBA Trust.

Eligibility

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and hold a full UK driving licence.

Opportunity for Growth

Our client supports career progression, offering tailored professional development opportunities, including pathways to chartership. You'll have the chance to work on high‑profile projects, especially within the Environment Agency framework, contributing to innovative and sustainable solutions.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.