Principal Ecological Consultant

Principal Ecological Consultant

(Senior or Associate would work as well)

Ideally London, Bristol or Warrington

40-65k depending on level and experience

A leading UK-based independent environmental consultancy, underpinned by a growing team of experts in environmental policy, strategy, design, and assessment are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Senior, Principal or Associate Director Ecologist to work as part of our team of around 18 ecological specialists based in the UK.

This is a new and exciting role offering the opportunity to play a key part in the delivery of large-scale ecological projects across the UK. The role and title will be tailored to the experience and strengths of the successful candidate, from Senior Ecologist through to Associate Director level position which is ideally suited to an experienced ecologist with a strong background in managing and technically delivering complex projects, particularly within the DCO and NSIP sector, including onshore wind, ground mounted solar, and major residential or commercial developments.

The role will be primarily focused on project management and technical delivery, with responsibility for overseeing ecological inputs from feasibility through to consent. While field survey work will form part of the role, it is anticipated that this will not be a significant or routine component, and the emphasis will instead be on coordination, review, interpretation and reporting of survey data and project delivery.

You will lead and manage ecological projects and workstreams, liaising closely with clients, planning consultants, engineers, landscape architects and sub-consultants. Responsibilities will include programme and budget management, technical leadership, quality assurance of outputs, and contribution to fee proposals and tenders. You will be expected to author, review and sign off technical reports, with a particular focus on Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.

Experience in Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and/or DCO documentation would be highly desirable.

Although not field-focused, you should retain the capability to undertake and oversee ecological surveys where required, including UKHab habitat surveys and preferably one or more protected species disciplines. Strong ornithological and/or botanical skills would be advantageous, particularly in the context of large infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

We believe that environmental consultancy should place ecology at the heart of development design. You will therefore be expected to think strategically and creatively, working collaboratively with landscape designers and other disciplines to embed ecological mitigation, enhancement and compensation measures into development proposals. This will include shaping solutions that meet Biodiversity Net Gain requirements while also contributing to wider green infrastructure objectives, such as flood risk reduction, climate resilience and air quality improvements.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join the business at an exciting stage of growth. You will be a core member of the team, playing a key role in shaping and delivering our ecological work. We offer a friendly and supportive working environment, with one-to-one mentoring and professional development from experienced colleagues, alongside access to external training where required.

As an independent environmental consultancy we are very non-corporate with a very flexible approach to how we operate. We believe in the person fit first and are keen to fit the role to the person rather than change what attracted us to you.

Skills and experience we are looking for

Essential:

• Substantial 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, ground mounted solar, or major residential or commercial developments.
• Ability to operate effectively at Senior to Associate Director level, taking 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.
• Sound 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.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the 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.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Degree (BSc or higher) in ecology or a related environmental discipline.
• 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.

Desirable

• Direct experience of DCO/NSIP projects, particularly within the renewable energy or major infrastructure sectors.
• Experience of Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), including screening and appropriate assessment.
• Demonstrable client-facing experience, including acting as a key point of contact and engaging with planners, legal teams and statutory consultees.
• Experience of preparing or contributing to fee proposals, tenders and scopes of work.
• Experience of mentoring or supporting junior staff, and contributing to team development.
• One or more protected species survey licences.
• Botanical and/or ornithological expertise, particularly relevant to large-scale developments.
• FISC or River Condition Assessment training (or willingness to obtain).
• Membership of CIEEM (Associate, Full or Chartered)