Principal/Senior Ecologist
Location: Manchester (covering the North West of England)
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: £40000
Service Care Solutions are recruiting on behalf of a growing environmental consultancy for an experienced Principal or Senior Ecologist to join their expanding team based in Manchester, supporting projects across the North West of England.
Due to continued business growth and an increasing pipeline of exciting projects, our client is seeking a motivated ecology professional with strong technical expertise, project management capability, and a passion for delivering high-quality ecological services across a diverse range of sectors including residential, commercial, industrial, education, and infrastructure.
The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in their career within a supportive and ambitious consultancy environment.
The successful candidate will lead and manage ecology projects from inception through to completion, providing technical expertise across a range of ecological disciplines while supporting the continued growth and development of the ecology team.
The role will involve working on challenging and varied projects, with responsibilities spanning technical delivery, client management, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to wider business development activities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and deliver complex ecology projects across the North West
Manage projects from initial client liaison through to completion
Undertake and review ecological surveys and technical reports including:
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA)
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
Advise on mitigation, compensation, habitat enhancement, and management strategies
Apply and advise on UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and BNG requirements
Use the DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric where applicable
Provide Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) support when required
Mentor and support Assistant and Junior Ecologists
Contribute to fee proposals, tenders, and business development opportunities
Maintain high standards of quality assurance and health & safety compliance
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, planners, and stakeholdersEssential Requirements
Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
Minimum 5 years’ ecology consultancy experience
Full membership of CIEEM (MCIEEM)
Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy
Experience delivering ecological assessments and technical reporting
Proven project management and client-facing experience
Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and strategies
Excellent communication and organisational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Full UK driving licenceDesirable Experience
Protected species licences (bats, great crested newts, badgers, dormice, otters etc.)
Natural England Class 2 Bat Licence
Habitat Regulations Assessment experience
GIS experience
Staff mentoring or line management experience
EcIA and Environmental Statement chapter writing experienceWhat is on Offer
Competitive salary package
Excellent career progression opportunities
Supportive and collaborative working environment
Opportunity to work on a broad range of high-profile projects
Ongoing professional development and training
Flexible working opportunities
Company benefits package
If you are an experienced Ecologist looking for your next opportunity within a growing consultancy, apply today with your CV or contact Prakash at Service Care Solutions by emailing (url removed) or calling (phone number removed)