At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects and deliver innovative environmental solutions.
- Company: Dynamic environmental consultancy focused on sustainability and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, professional development, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and contribute to exciting multidisciplinary projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and work with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology, consultancy experience, 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 will include:
- 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
The following experience would be beneficial but is not essential:
- 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 - Haywards Heath employer: Advance TRS
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 professional development and a collaborative work culture, employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for career progression across various South Coast and South East office locations. The company values diversity and fosters an inclusive environment where team members can thrive while contributing to innovative ecological projects focused on sustainability and resilience.
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 people in the ecology field! Attend industry events, join online forums, and engage on social media. The more you network, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you land that interview, make sure to highlight your project management experience and technical skills. Bring examples of your work, like reports or assessments, to showcase your expertise in ecological projects. We want to see how you can lead and deliver!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every job is different, so tailor your pitch to match the specific role you're applying for. Research the company and its projects, and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and invested in the position.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior/Principal Ecologist role! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative and follow our application process. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application more efficiently.
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 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 ecological projects.
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 job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:When filling out your application, don’t forget to showcase your technical skills, especially in areas like BNG assessments and ecological surveys. We’re looking for candidates who can produce high-quality reports and manage projects effectively.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance TRS
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK ecological legislation and planning policy. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving Biodiversity Net Gain assessments or protected species surveys. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since the role involves managing ecological projects from start to finish, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led similar projects. Highlight your ability to manage client relationships and deliver high-quality technical reports, as this will demonstrate your capability in a consultancy environment.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This position requires working closely with multidisciplinary teams, so it’s crucial to showcase your collaborative skills. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate how you’ve effectively worked with engineers, landscape specialists, or other ecologists to achieve project goals. This will highlight your ability to thrive in a team-oriented setting.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the company’s approach to sustainability and their current projects. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and career aspirations.
