Assystem is a global engineering and digital services company that plays a key role in large infrastructure projects, especially those related to complex, highly regulated industries. In the infrastructure sector, Assystem works across various domains to support the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
As global challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development intensify, the role of ecological expertise has never been more critical. Our growing ecology practice is at the forefront of delivering practical solutions that promote environmental resilience, biodiversity conservation, and responsible land use.
We support a wide range of projects—from infrastructure development and renewable energy to habitat restoration and environmental planning—by integrating ecological principles into every phase of design and decision-making. Our team of ecologists work closely with clients, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that development and conservation go hand in hand.
With a strong focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and long-term ecological health, we are committed to advancing a more sustainable and nature-positive future.
Job Description
Are you ready to lead at a strategic level and shape the ecological direction of major infrastructure and development projects? At Assystem UK, you will step into a senior leadership role within our Ecology Consultancy team, influencing projects from early planning through to construction and operation while driving the growth and performance of the ecology practice itself.
The Role
As a Principal Ecologist, you will provide senior technical leadership, quality assurance and trusted client advice across complex, multidisciplinary project environments. You will work closely with clients, principal contractors and engineering teams, often embedded within live delivery settings where sound judgement, commercial awareness and clear direction are essential.
You will ensure ecological risks are managed effectively, standards remain high and projects are delivered successfully both technically and commercially. Beyond project oversight, you will lead people, shape strategy and champion best practice across the ecology discipline.
What You Will Be Doing:
Team and Practice Leadership
Lead, mentor and manage a team of ecologists across senior, mid-level and junior grades
Align team resourcing with project demands, managing workloads and supporting recruitment where needed
Promote best practice in ecology, health and safety, quality assurance and legislative compliance
Drive continuous improvement and technical excellence across the ecology practice
Project Oversight and Technical Direction
Oversee ecological delivery across housing, infrastructure, renewables and energy projects
Provide strategic ecological direction through planning, consenting and construction phases
Lead and quality assure surveys, assessments, mitigation strategies and technical reports
Provide high-level technical review of EIAs, HRAs, mitigation strategies and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
Oversee construction-phase compliance with wildlife legislation, licence conditions and mitigation commitments
Lead protected species mitigation strategies and EPS licence preparation and delivery
Investigate ecological incidents and implement proactive portfolio-wide risk management measures
Strategic and Commercial Management
Develop and implement growth plans aligned with wider business objectives
Lead or support tenders, fee proposals, client presentations and framework bids
Monitor project profitability, resource forecasts and overall performance of the ecology portfolio
Ensure robust QA processes and effective risk management systems are embedded across projects
Stakeholder and Client Engagement
Act as a senior point of contact for clients, regulators, collaborators and partners
Build and maintain strong professional networks to support business development
Represent the ecology discipline internally and externally at industry events and forums
Provide confident leadership within multidisciplinary coordination and client environments
Qualifications
What You Will Bring
You will hold a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline, supported by significant experience in applied ecological consultancy and leadership of complex infrastructure projects. You will also bring:
Two European Protected Species licences
Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and best practice including EIA, HRA and BNG
Extensive experience managing teams, budgets and multidisciplinary project delivery
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, with Full Membership required if not already held
Proven ability to deliver strategic, proportionate ecological solutions within complex live environments
Excellent report writing, review and quality assurance capability
Strong commercial awareness, business planning insight and client engagement skills
A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites
Desirable Experience
A Full or Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
Highly experienced in Ecological Clerk of Works duties and construction-phase leadership on major infrastructure schemes
Experienced in Biodiversity Net Gain strategy and planning tools such as UKHab
An established line manager and mentor within consultancy environments
If you are looking for a leadership role where you can influence strategy, grow a high-performing team and shape the ecological direction of nationally significant projects, this is your opportunity to make a lasting and visible impact.
Additional Information
Additional Experience That Would Strengthen Your Application
Hands-on experience delivering protected species mitigation
Involvement in large-scale infrastructure schemes, such as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects
Working knowledge of digital ecology tools, including GIS platforms and the Biodiversity Net Gain Metric
What You Can Expect
A senior leadership position within a well-established and expanding environmental practice
A supportive and collaborative team culture
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
Clear career progression pathways, dedicated training budgets and ongoing professional development support
We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people's ability to dare are the only things that matter. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.