Principal Ecologist
Location: Flexible, Hybrid or Home-Based (UK)
Salary: £45,000–£65,000 depending on experience
Help Shape the Future of Nature Recovery
Lepus Consulting is seeking an ambitious and experienced Principal Ecologist to help lead the next phase of our growth.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to do more than deliver ecological assessments and surveys. We are looking for a strategic thinker who is passionate about shaping environmental outcomes, influencing policy and helping clients deliver meaningful benefits for nature.
Lepus is an independent environmental consultancy specialising in ecology, landscape, planning and environmental assessment. We work extensively with local authorities, public sector organisations and private sector clients across the UK, delivering projects that support sustainable development, nature recovery and environmental enhancement.
As a Principal Ecologist, you will play a key role in leading projects, mentoring colleagues, developing client relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the business.
The Opportunity
Beyond traditional ecological consultancy, this role offers the opportunity to help write the strategies, frameworks and evidence bases that shape the future of nature recovery, biodiversity enhancement and sustainable development across the UK.
You will have the opportunity to lead and contribute to:
* Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) strategies and delivery frameworks;
* Nature recovery strategies and ecological frameworks;
* Green Infrastructure strategies and action plans;
* Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA);
* Ecological evidence studies for local plans;
* Strategic planning and environmental assessment projects;
* Species mitigation strategies;
* Ecological network and connectivity planning;
* Environmental Impact Assessment and multidisciplinary projects.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead ecological and environmental projects from inception through to completion;
* Prepare, review and quality assure technical reports and strategic documents;
* Provide technical leadership and mentoring to colleagues;
* Build and maintain strong client relationships;
* Support business development activities, including proposals and tenders;
* Contribute to the development of new services and growth opportunities;
* Work collaboratively with colleagues across ecology, landscape, planning and environmental assessment disciplines.
About You
We would be delighted to hear from candidates who can demonstrate:
* A strong ecological background and sound technical knowledge;
* Experience managing projects and client relationships;
* Excellent report writing and communication skills;
* A desire to influence environmental outcomes at strategic and landscape scales;
* An interest in policy, planning, nature recovery and environmental strategy;
* Membership of CIEEM (Chartered status desirable but not essential);
* A full UK driving licence.
Experience of Biodiversity Net Gain, Habitats Regulations Assessment, ecological strategy development, environmental assessment or local plan work would be particularly beneficial.
Why Join Lepus?
Lepus is a growing and ambitious consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality work. We combine technical excellence with practical thinking and a collaborative approach to solving environmental challenges.
We offer:
* Interesting and varied projects across the UK;
* Opportunities to help shape new services and strategic areas of growth;
* Support for professional development and career progression;
* Flexible, hybrid and home-based working arrangements;
* A friendly, supportive and highly experienced team;
* The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the future of nature recovery and sustainable development.
For the right candidate, there will be opportunities to progress towards senior leadership roles as the business continues to grow.
If you are looking for an opportunity to make a genuine difference and help shape the future of nature recovery, biodiversity planning and environmental assessment, we would be delighted to hear from you.
To apply, please send your CV and a covering email to Neil Davidson at careers@lepusconsulting.com.