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 supportive team with diverse opportunities across the South Coast.
- 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: 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.
Typical 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
Advance TRS is looking to speak with ecologists who combine strong technical capability with commercial awareness and a collaborative approach to consultancy delivery. Candidates should demonstrate:
- 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.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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 – Haywards Heath employer: Advance Training & Recruitment Services
Advance TRS is an exceptional employer for ecologists seeking to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental consultancy. With a strong commitment to sustainability and employee development, the company offers a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth through mentorship and diverse project involvement. Located on the picturesque South Coast, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to innovative ecological solutions.
Contact Details:
Advance Training & Recruitment Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Ecologist – Haywards Heath
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with fellow ecologists and industry professionals! Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences. Whether it's your expertise in Biodiversity Net Gain or your project management prowess, we want to hear about it! Tailor your pitch to showcase how you can contribute to their projects.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research the company’s recent projects and think about how your background fits into their goals. We recommend preparing some thoughtful questions to ask them too – it shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also gives you a better chance of standing out. We’re here to help you find the perfect role in ecology!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Ecologist – Haywards Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your consultancy experience, project management skills, and any relevant qualifications to show us you're the perfect fit for the Senior/Principal Ecologist role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about ecology and how your background aligns with our focus on sustainability and nature-based solutions. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves producing high-quality technical reports and assessments, make sure to mention your experience with BNG assessments, ecological surveys, and any relevant software tools. We want to see that you can deliver robust project solutions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our 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 capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to sustainability and their current projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Highlight Your Mentoring Experience
If you've mentored junior ecologists or contributed to team growth, be sure to mention it. This aligns with the company's focus on collaboration and professional development, showcasing your leadership potential and commitment to nurturing talent.
