Job Title
Principal Ecological Consultant
Salary
£46,890 to £55,164 per annum
Location
Chelmsford, Essex
Job Type
Full Time
Closing Date
03/03/2026
Overview
Place Services, of Essex County Council, seeks a Principal Ecological Consultant to co‐lead ecological service delivery for UK clients, overseeing planning advice, ecological assessments, habitat management, surveys and multidisciplinary projects.
Accountabilities
- Deliver ecological and countryside management services, managing complex development consultations throughout the planning/consent process, including ecological assessments (HRA, PEAR, EcIA) and habitat/species management.
- Collect, analyse and present complex ecological data, evidence and advice, reviewing outcomes and assessing third‐party compliance.
- Lead development and review of plans, policies and guidance.
- Commercially develop the ecology offer, bid high value opportunities and manage high value projects against budget, specification and indicators.
- Build a client‐focused culture, maintain commercial awareness, manage accounts and secure feedback for continual improvement.
- Develop and deliver promotional and learning material, training activities and events, engaging networks to enhance recognition of Place Services.
- Lead a high-performance team, improve competency, build knowledge and skills, and identify and implement improvements to service delivery.
- Meet individual and shared targets and objectives defined annually.
Experience You Will Bring
- RQF Level 6 (Bachelor's degree) with substantial post‐qualification experience.
- Full Membership of the CIEEM and evidence of continuing professional development.
- Authoritative technical expertise in development management and planning policy, legislation, enforcement standards, ecological assessment (PEAR, HRA, EcIA), habitat/species management, protected species identification and survey.
- Team management and people skills, including employee performance and development.
- Well‐being and health & safety awareness, with ability to implement safe working practices.
- Commercial acumen, negotiation, communication skills and a track record of business development, including bid winning.
- Able to lead specialist and multi‐disciplinary project teams and manage large‐scale complex projects from concept to completion.
- Advanced use of GIS and other ICT tools for data capture, management and high‐level analysis.
Eligibility & Requirements
The role requires mobility across an operational area. Candidates must hold a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle or otherwise meet the mobility requirements.
Equal Opportunity
Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and welcomes applicants with disabilities under the Job Interview Scheme. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. For reasonable adjustments, contact our recruiters.
Contact
Email: resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk
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