Principal Ecologist
Location: Oxfordshire
Salary: GBP35,000:GBP45,000 DOE
Contract: Full:time, Permanent
About Our Client
Our client is a respected environmental consultancy known for delivering innovative, evidence:led ecological solutions across a wide range of development and conservation projects. They are seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to take a senior leadership role within their Oxfordshire team, driving technical excellence, supporting strategic growth, and managing high:profile projects.
The Role
As Principal Ecologist, you will lead complex ecological assignments, act as a technical expert within the team, and ensure the successful delivery of projects from inception to completion. You will play a key role in mentoring staff, strengthening client relationships, and contributing to the long:term development of the ecology service line.
Key Responsibilities
*
Lead, oversee, and review complex ecological assessments and EcIAs.
*
Provide high:level ecological advice to clients, project teams, and planning authorities.
*
Manage major or multi:disciplinary projects, ensuring quality, compliance, and timely delivery.
*
Act as a subject:matter expert in one or more specialisms (e.g., bats, habitats, licensing).
*
Prepare and peer:review technical reports, including EIAs, mitigation strategies, and licence applications.
*
Mentor, supervise, and develop junior and mid:level ecologists.
*
Support business development through proposal writing, fee proposals, and client relationship management.
*
Represent the ecology team at meetings, workshops, and public consultations when required.
Essential Requirements
*
Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related field.
*
Significant experience (typically 7+ years) within ecological consultancy.
*
Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and national guidance.
*
Demonstrable experience delivering and managing complex ecological projects.
*
One or more protected species licences (e.g., bat, GCN, dormouse).
*
Proven track record in client:facing roles and project leadership.
*
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
*
Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Skills
*
Full CIEEM membership or eligibility.
*
Experience contributing to or leading multi:disciplinary environmental projects.
*
Habitat creation/management design experience.
*
Strong GIS or data management skills.
*
Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) status or working towards it.
Whats on Offer
*
Competitive salary of GBP35,000:GBP45,000 DOE.
*
Clear opportunities for progression into technical or team leadership roles.
*
Supportive and collaborative consultancy culture.
*
Flexible, hybrid working and a diverse project portfolio.
Contact James Hardie at Penguin Recruitment for more information.