Overview
Principal Ecologist Location: Brighton (with flexible working options) Salary: £43,000+ DOE. A progressive and growing environmental consultancy is seeking a highly skilled Principal Ecologist to take a leading role within its team. The consultancy delivers expert ecological services across a variety of sectors including residential, commercial, renewable energy, and heritage projects. This position offers the chance to oversee and shape high-profile projects throughout the South East, with a focus on East and West Sussex, Kent, Surrey, and Hampshire.
Benefits
* Competitive salary tailored to experience, plus a starting bonus for direct applications
* Flexible working arrangements and 31 days annual leave, with your birthday off
* Paid CIEEM membership and a dedicated professional development budget
* Optional private healthcare and access to an in-house mental health first aider
* Contributory pension and established TOIL system
* Positive and inclusive team culture that values collaboration, wellbeing, and professional growth
Key Responsibilities
* Lead ecological projects from initial survey design to final reporting, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species surveys, and mitigation strategies
* Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality
* Act as the primary point of contact for clients, offering expert ecological guidance
* Conduct field surveys and produce detailed technical outputs
* Mentor and support junior ecologists, fostering knowledge-sharing and skill development
* Contribute to Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, and Biodiversity Net Gain evaluations
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
* Degree or equivalent in Ecology or related discipline
* Strong experience conducting habitat and protected species surveys
* Natural England survey licences for at least one species/group
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Valid UK driving licence and access to own car
* Desirable: experience obtaining European Protected Species Mitigation licences, working with other environmental disciplines, and using Defra's Biodiversity Metric
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