Our client, a leading UK-based independent environmental consultancy, is seeking a Principal Ecological Consultant to join their team. You will play a key part in the delivery of large-scale ecological projects across the UK.
About the role
Particular focus on DCO and NSIP projects, including onshore wind, ground-mounted solar, and major residential or commercial developments
Primarily focused on project management and technical delivery, overseeing ecological inputs from feasibility through to consent
Limited routine fieldwork, with emphasis on coordination, review, interpretation, and reporting of survey data
Lead and manage ecological projects and workstreams
Liaise closely with clients, planning consultants, engineers, landscape architects, and sub-consultants
Responsible for programme and budget management, technical leadership, and quality assurance of outputs
Contribute to fee proposals and tenders
Author, review, and sign off technical reports, particularly Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
Capability to undertake and oversee ecological surveys when required, including UKHab habitat surveys
Collaborate with landscape designers and other disciplines to deliver mitigation, enhancement, and compensation measures
Shape solutions that meet Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and wider green infrastructure objectives
About you
Degree (BSc or higher) in ecology or a related environmental discipline.
Experience within an ecological consultancy, with a proven track record of working on medium to large-scale or complex projects, such as DCO/NSIP schemes, onshore wind, groundmounted solar, or major residential or commercial developments.
Ability to take responsibility for the technical delivery and day-to-day management of ecological projects or workstreams.
Strong understanding of the UK planning system and environmental assessment process, including leading or significantly contributing to Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
Experience of managing ecological inputs to projects, including coordinating survey programmes, reviewing technical outputs, and ensuring work is delivered to programme, budget and quality expectations.
Working knowledge of UKHab methodology and protected species surveys, with the ability to oversee, interpret and quality-assure survey work, and to undertake field surveys where required.
Willingness and ability to undertake occasional site-based surveys or monitoring, recognising that fieldwork will form a relatively small part of the role.
Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation and its practical application to development-led projects.
Ability to produce clear, proportionate and defensible reports, and to communicate confidently with clients and project teams.
Experience of working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams, including planners, engineers, landscape architects and other specialists.
Competence in the use of GIS and mapping tools to support reporting and project delivery.
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
A proactive and solutions-focused approach to ecological mitigation, enhancement and design, with an interest in integrating biodiversity and wider green infrastructure benefits into development proposals.
Experience in one or more protected species disciplines preferred
Strong ornithological and/or botanical skills advantageous, especially for large infrastructure and renewable energy projects
Strategic and creative approach to embedding ecology into development design
Experience in Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and/or DCO documentation is highly desirable
What’s on offer
Hybrid/ flexible working model, with the option for part-time
Opportunity to join the business at an exciting stage of growth
Core role within the team, helping shape and deliver ecological work
Supportive working environment with one-to-one mentoring, professional development, and access to external training
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