Lead Ecologist

Senior / Principal Ecologist - Milton Keynes

An established environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist to lead the operation and growth of its new Milton Keynes office. This is a key foundation and leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape and develop a new regional presence while being supported by an established senior team. Senior team members will provide ongoing support during the establishment of the new office to ensure consistency of culture and standards across regions.

The successful candidate will report to the Head of Ecology and play a pivotal role in client development, recruitment, and strengthening the company's presence across the region. The role offers a balance of autonomy and structured support, ideal for a forward-thinking ecological professional ready to take on a leadership position.

What's on Offer;

• Supportive and flexible working environment, including TOIL, extended holiday allowance, and additional company bank holidays.

• Extensive training and CPD opportunities within a strong management structure.

• Opportunity to contribute to diverse and high-profile projects.

• Comprehensive reward package including private healthcare, enhanced pension contributions, additional leave, and personalised benefits.

• A welcoming office environment in a rural Buckinghamshire setting.

Key Responsibilities;

• Support the Head of Department in the strategic direction of the Ecology team, including attendance at senior ecology meetings.

• Contribute to middle management meetings and wider company strategy discussions alongside the Managing Director.

• Lead and develop a small team of consultants, overseeing workflow, timesheets, deadlines, and performance.

• Provide high-level technical support across the department.

• Lead and deliver complex ecological reports, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.

• Provide strategic ecological input on multi-disciplinary projects alongside in-house landscape, arboricultural, drainage, and heritage specialists.

• Prepare fee proposals, contribute to tender submissions, and maintain strong client relationships.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK and European wildlife legislation and planning policy.

• Liaise with clients, statutory bodies, and stakeholders to ensure compliance and high standards of service.
  
  

Essential Requirements;

• Strong technical report writing experience, including BNG assessments, Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans (HMMPs), condition discharge, and mitigation licensing.

• Demonstrable team management experience.

• Proven project management capability with client-facing responsibility.

• Associate or Full membership of CIEEM (or working towards this).

• Comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology, legislation, and planning policy.
  
  

Desirable Skills;

• Minimum five years' professional experience within ecological consultancy or a related field.

• Staff management experience.

• Proficiency in GIS or other mapping software.

• Full UK manual driving licence and willingness to travel for fieldwork (access to a company vehicle fleet provided).
  
  

Interested in this opportunity? Please apply to this advert or contact Ashleigh Garner from Penguin Recruitment for more information.