Principal Ecologist
Based in Kingsbury, Coventry, Birmingham
£ per day (can operate via Ltd company)
6 month rolling contract
The Role:
A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and driven Ecological Design & Delivery Specialist to play a key part in the delivery of one of the UK's largest and most ambitious infrastructure and environmental projects.
Responsibilities:
* Provide ecological technical expertise and guidance across all stages of design and delivery.
* Integrate ecological mitigation into civil engineering and landscape designs.
* Oversee delivery in line with contractual, legislative, and technical standards.
* Inspire and guide a team of ecologists within the Natural Capital function.
* Review and assure high-quality ecological reports and deliverables.
* Design and monitor protected species mitigation measures.
* Oversee and assure the delivery of habitat creation and enhancement.
* Lead adaptive management using habitat monitoring data.
* Resolve design and delivery challenges with proactive, practical solutions.
* Drive ecological considerations into programme planning and delivery schedules.
* Ensure designs align with environmental standards, including the Environmental Statement, LEMPs, ESMPs and No Net Loss databases.
* Support project handover and compliance with protected species licensing.
Key Interfaces:
* Collaborate with internal teams including Design Managers, Environmental Managers, Landscape Architects, and Construction Engineers.
* Liaise with external stakeholders such as Natural England, Wildlife Trusts, planning authorities, and specialist subcontractors.
Experience & Qualifications:
* Significant experience in ecological design and delivery, ideally on NSIPs or large infrastructure projects.
* Deep understanding of UK ecological legislation and planning requirements.
* Proven experience with protected species mitigation and relevant licensing.
* Excellent project management, organisational and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Degree (or higher) in ecology or related field.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GIS platforms.
* Membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to join).
* Full UK driver's licence.
* Experience in engaging with Natural England and stakeholders on mitigation licensing.
Desirable:
* Holder of protected species mitigation licences.
* Experience aligning designs with habitat monitoring and adaptive management.
* Knowledge of Schedule 17 submissions and Scheme of Mitigation processes.