Principal Ecologist

  • Penguin Recruitment
  • City, Cardiff
  • Apr 21, 2026
Full time Industrial

Job Description

An established and forward-thinking environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced and driven Principal Ecologist to join its growing team in Cardiff. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional to take a leading role in delivering high-quality ecological consultancy services across a diverse range of projects.

The consultancy prides itself on fostering a flexible and positive working environment. The successful candidate will benefit from a standard 37.5-hour working week, with flexible start and finish times, as well as hybrid working options to support a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to a competitive salary, the company offers an attractive benefits package, including:

  • Generous annual leave allowance plus bank holidays

  • Paid professional memberships and support toward chartership

  • Ongoing training and career development opportunities

  • Company pension scheme

  • Paid volunteer days

  • Employee wellness initiatives and support programmes

Working as part of a collaborative and supportive team, the Principal Ecologist will be responsible for managing projects, mentoring junior staff, and providing expert ecological advice to clients. The role offers a balance of fieldwork, technical reporting, and strategic input, making it ideal for someone looking to further develop their leadership within the sector.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in ecological consultancy, strong project management skills, and a thorough understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy. A passion for delivering practical, sustainable solutions is essential. This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected consultancy where expertise is valued, professional growth is encouraged, and contributions make a meaningful impact.

If you're interested in hearing more about this Principal Ecologist role, or any other Ecology roles, please do contact Ashleigh Garner from Penguin Recruitment.