Senior / Principal Ecologist – Bristol

Senior / Principal Ecologist – Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Advance Training & Recruitment Services

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead ecological projects and deliver innovative environmental solutions.
  • Company: Dynamic environmental consultancy focused on sustainability and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, professional development, and career progression.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team and grow your career in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and work with passionate professionals.
  • Qualifications: Experience in ecology, project management, and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Location: Travel across South Coast / South East England (Hybrid Working Available)

Salary: Competitive

Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Advance TRS is supporting a growing environmental consultancy in the search for a Senior or Principal Ecologist to join their expanding ecology team. This opportunity would suit an experienced consultant looking to take on a leading role across a broad range of ecology and environmental projects, while working within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment focused on sustainability, resilience and nature-based solutions.

The Role

The successful candidate will lead and support the delivery of ecological projects across a varied portfolio including habitat restoration, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), river and catchment-based schemes, protected species work and wider environmental planning projects. Working closely with specialists across engineering, landscape, geomorphology and environmental disciplines, you will contribute to technically robust and practical project solutions from early-stage assessment through to delivery.

Responsibilities

  • Managing ecological projects from inception through to completion
  • Delivering and reviewing ecological surveys, assessments and mitigation strategies
  • Leading Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and habitat-based reporting
  • Producing high-quality technical reports including PEAs, EcIAs and HRAs
  • Supporting client relationships and contributing to project development discussions
  • Mentoring junior ecologists and supporting team growth
  • Assisting with tender submissions, quotations and wider business development activities
  • Collaborating within multidisciplinary teams on large and complex environmental projects

Candidate Requirements

  • Consultancy experience within ecology and environmental assessment
  • Experience managing projects, programmes and client relationships
  • Strong understanding of UK ecological legislation, planning policy and licensing requirements
  • Experience delivering BNG assessments using UKHab and biodiversity metrics
  • Protected species survey experience, ideally with survey licences
  • Ability to produce accurate and well-structured technical reports
  • Confidence working independently and within multidisciplinary teams
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Qualifications & Experience

  • Degree in Ecology or a related discipline
  • Membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional body
  • Chartered status desirable, though candidates working towards chartership are encouraged
  • Full UK driving licence required

Desirable Experience

  • River restoration or natural flood management projects
  • Aquatic, estuarine or coastal ecology
  • Water Framework Directive (WFD) understanding
  • Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) experience
  • GIS and ecological mapping capability
  • Experience working on large infrastructure or multidisciplinary projects

Working Arrangements & Benefits

This position offers hybrid working with a mixture of office, home and site-based activity. The consultancy places a strong emphasis on professional development, flexible working and long-term career progression within a supportive, employee-focused environment. The role is available across multiple South Coast / South East office locations.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Senior / Principal Ecologist – Bristol employer: Advance Training & Recruitment Services

Advance TRS is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With hybrid working options and a focus on sustainability, employees have the opportunity to engage in meaningful ecological projects while collaborating with a diverse team of specialists across various disciplines. The company fosters growth through mentorship and encourages long-term career progression, making it an ideal place for ecologists looking to make a significant impact in their field.

Advance Training & Recruitment Services

Contact Details:

Advance Training & Recruitment Services Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Ecologist – Bristol

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the ecology field! Attend industry events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re even advertised.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with habitat restoration, BNG assessments, and any cool projects you've led. We want to see your passion for ecology shine through!

Tailor Your Approach

Every job is different, so make sure you tailor your conversations to match the specific role. Highlight your consultancy experience and understanding of UK ecological legislation when chatting with hiring managers. It shows you’re the right fit for their team!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Ecologist – Bristol

Ecological Project Management
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments
Ecological Surveys and Assessments
Technical Report Writing
Client Relationship Management
UK Ecological Legislation Knowledge
Protected Species Survey Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior/Principal Ecologist role. Highlight your consultancy experience, project management skills, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our focus on sustainability and nature-based solutions.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about ecology and how you can contribute to our multidisciplinary team. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the role.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:When filling out your application, don’t forget to showcase your technical skills, especially in producing high-quality reports and conducting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise in ecological legislation and planning policy.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing ecology team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Advance Training & Recruitment Services

Know Your Ecology Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK ecological legislation, planning policy, and licensing requirements. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving Biodiversity Net Gain assessments or protected species surveys.

Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience managing ecological projects from start to finish. Talk about how you've led teams, collaborated with other specialists, and delivered high-quality technical reports. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.

Engage with the Interviewers

Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about their current projects, team dynamics, and how they approach sustainability. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Demonstrate Your Mentoring Ability

Since the role involves mentoring junior ecologists, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Share examples of how you've supported team growth and contributed to the development of others in your field. This will highlight your leadership potential.