Senior/ Principal Ecologist

Senior/ Principal Ecologist

An opportunity has become available for an experienced Senior/ Principal Ecologist to join a well-established environmental consultancy working across a diverse range of planning, development, and multidisciplinary projects.

This role offers the opportunity to work alongside a team of experienced environmental professionals, delivering ecological surveys, assessments, mitigation strategies, and planning support. You'll be involved in a varied project portfolio while benefiting from ongoing training, mentoring, and genuine career development opportunities within a collaborative and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities
 

• Undertake and lead a range of ecological surveys, including protected species and habitat surveys.
• Prepare and deliver ecological assessments and reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
• Design and oversee ecological mitigation strategies, species translocations, management plans, and licensing requirements.
• Manage ecology projects from proposal stage through to completion, including budget and programme management.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, supporting planning, landscape architecture, arboriculture, and other environmental disciplines.
• Liaise with clients, stakeholders, regulators, and project teams to provide technical ecological advice.
• Support business development activities, including preparing fee proposals and identifying new opportunities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of ecological legislation, policy, and industry guidance.

Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology, or a related discipline.
• Full membership of CIEEM.
• At least three years' post-membership experience in ecological consultancy or a related environment.
• Strong experience preparing ecological reports, assessments, and mitigation strategies.
• Knowledge of UK habitats, protected species, ecological survey methodologies, and relevant legislation.
• Experience working on large or multidisciplinary development projects.
• Involvement in protected species mitigation licensing and/or possession of protected species survey licences would be advantageous.
• Strong project management, communication, negotiation, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
• Full UK driving licence and right to work in the UK.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary dependent on experience.Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.Ongoing training, mentoring, and CPD support.Professional membership support.Career progression opportunities within a growing ecology team.Exposure to a broad and varied project portfolio.Paid travel and accommodation expenses where required for project work.Opportunity to work alongside experienced multidisciplinary professionals.

If you're a Senior Ecologist looking for your next career move or know someone who would be interested in this opportunity, please apply or contact me directly on philip.hooles@accesstg.com or 02380 981805.