Your new company
A well-established environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their expanding team. This is a senior-level opportunity to lead impactful ecological work across a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, residential, and infrastructure projects.
Your new role
* Lead and manage complex ecological projects, including Town and Country Planning Act developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
* Produce and review technical reports such as Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Environmental Statement (ES) chapters.
* Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and interpret the Biodiversity Metric to create pragmatic solutions.
* Design and implement mitigation strategies for protected species (e.g., bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, water vole).
* Provide mentorship and line management to junior ecologists.
* Engage with statutory bodies, planning authorities, and stakeholders.
* Manage project budgets, proposals, and client communications.
What you'll need to succeed
* Strong understanding of UK planning policy and environmental legislation.
* Proficient in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments (FISC Level 4 desirable).
* Skilled in ecological survey design, delivery, and interpretation.
* Experience with protected species licencing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
* Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently.
* Excellent communication and time management skills.
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
* Degree in Ecology or related field (Bachelor's or Master's).
* Membership of CIEEM.
* Holder of at least one protected species licence (GCN or bats preferred).
What you'll get in return
* Annual salary of £40,000 - £50,000 (DOE)
* Excellent training / development opportunities
* Flexible / Hybrid working schemes
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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