Principal Ecologist

  • Pell Frischmann Group Ltd.
  • Feb 20, 2026
Full time Industrial

Job Description

We are looking to hire a Principal Ecologist in our London office.

Main Purpose of the Job

As a result of our growing workload, we are looking for a Principal Ecologist to oversee and lead project delivery. The successful candidate will be involved from start to completion in a range of projects in both the public and private sectors. The work includes surveys, analysis and reporting; engagement with stakeholders, working in inter disciplinary project teams and the planning system as well as habitat creation and enhancement schemes. Additionally, you will manage and support more junior colleagues, and, supported by the Technical Director, grow the ecology team within the London office.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
  • Deliver a range of projects from tender stage to completion;
  • Maintain and demonstrate high standards of survey, data analysis, reporting and client liaison in accordance with good practice guidance, ecological legislation and the Pell Frischmann internal quality systems;
  • Apply for protected species mitigation licenses and oversee their implementation on site;
  • Project co ordination with good commercial awareness and financial control, ensuring deliverables meet the client's needs and are provided cost effectively and to an exemplary standard;
  • Work in conjunction with project stakeholders including clients, and statutory consultees to achieve project aims whilst encouraging a high level of environmental protection;
  • Monitor, plan and forecast utilisation of the ecology team, including contributing to and preparing bids;
  • Engage in business development, client and third party liaison successfully leading to enhanced reputation, new and repeat work;
  • Advocate the team's services internally to our framework managers and technical leads;
  • Promote the capabilities of the company to current and prospective clients; and
  • Ensure compliance with internal management system procedures.
Qualifications Essential Qualifications
  • Degree in Ecology, Environmental Management or a related discipline
  • Membership (or eligibility to join) of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) at MCIEEM level
Preferred Qualifications
  • A current CSCS card or equivalent (We can arrange)
  • Chartered Ecologist (CEcol)
Experience Essential Experience
  • Significant experience working in a UK consultancy for private and public sector developers and operators, on a range of development / infrastructure projects
  • Experience across a range of UK habitats and protected species
  • Experience of on site ecological supervision
  • Line management experience
  • Providing ecological input to competitive tenders
Preferred Experience
  • Protected species survey licenses
  • Has held or is eligible to hold protected species mitigation licenses
Skills Essential Skills
  • Be able to work well in a team and provide effective direction to all members of the team
  • Excellent commercial understanding of environmental consultancy procurement
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking and organisational skills
  • Excellent knowledge of relevant UK wildlife legislation including conservation of protected species
Preferred Skills
  • Excellent knowledge of ecological survey methods and mitigation measures
  • Good understanding of the UK planning system
  • Able to work collaboratively and develop strong relationships with other teams within the business and clients
  • Full UK driver's licence
  • Good GIS skills
  • Experienced in BNG metrics and reporting
  • Good working knowledge of habitat creation and enhancement
  • Data management and analysis skills