Senior / Principal Ecologist - Portsmouth in Haywards Heath

Senior / Principal Ecologist - Portsmouth in Haywards Heath

Haywards Heath Full-Time 37000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Advance TRS

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead ecological projects and deliver innovative environmental solutions.
  • Company: Dynamic consultancy focused on sustainability and nature-based solutions.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and strong emphasis on professional development.
  • Other info: Supportive environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and work with a collaborative team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in ecology, project management, and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 37000 - 55000 £ per year.

Location: Haywards Heath OR Greater Portsmouth (Hybrid Working Available)

Salary: £37,000 - £55,000 depending on grade / experience

Type: Permanent, Full-Time, Hybrid

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. 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 - Portsmouth in Haywards Heath employer: Advance TRS

Advance TRS is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the water sector. With a focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and a competitive salary package, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working in the vibrant city of Leeds. Join us to be part of meaningful projects that contribute to sustainable water infrastructure solutions.

Advance TRS

Contact Details:

Advance TRS Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Ecologist - Portsmouth in Haywards Heath

Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives

Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.

Join Industry-Specific Organisations

Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Advance TRS.

Show Off Your Projects and Passion

Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.

Utilise Environmental Job Boards

Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Advance TRS and can help us land that full-time gig.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Ecologist - Portsmouth in Haywards Heath

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

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Advance TRS.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Advance TRS will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.

Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Senior / Principal Ecologist - Portsmouth at Advance TRS. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.

How to prepare for a job interview at Advance TRS

Brush Up on Environmental Regulations

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Advance TRS, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.

Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability

In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Advance TRS that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.