Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological assessments and habitat design for impactful projects across the UK.
- Company: Established organisation known for its collaborative culture and commitment to staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, ongoing training, and clear progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to the natural environment while developing your career in ecology.
- Qualifications: Passion for ecology, strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, and relevant experience.
- Other info: Join a respected team with opportunities for leadership and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Salary: £40,000 to £50,000 (dependent on experience)
Location: UK - Various locations
Type: Permanent | Hybrid / flexible working
About the Role
Our client is looking for an experienced Senior / Principal Ecologist to join their established and growing ecology team, supporting a wide range of projects across development, infrastructure and nature recovery. You'll work both independently and collaboratively, acting as an ecology lead on projects and contributing to high-quality ecological assessments, habitat design, mitigation strategies and stakeholder engagement. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, technical delivery, leadership, and helping shape nature-positive outcomes from the earliest project stages.
About the client
Our client is a well-established organisation delivering work across major infrastructure, development and environmental projects across the UK. They are known for their collaborative culture, flexible working approach, and commitment to supporting staff wellbeing and professional development. Their ecology function is highly respected and works closely with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure ecology is embedded early in project planning and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake ecological assessment and habitat design for a variety of development and nature recovery projects
- Develop innovative and pragmatic approaches to ecological mitigation and compensation
- Work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams and engage with stakeholders / clients
- Deliver clear, concise and high-quality ecological outputs in line with current guidance and best practice
- Quality assurance of ecological deliverables
- Act as ecology lead on projects
- Task and project management
- Mentor and support junior staff
- Line management responsibilities (where applicable)
What Our Client is Looking For
- A passion for ecology and the natural environment
- Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and policy
- Ability to undertake:
- UKHab surveys
- Preliminary Ecological Assessments (PEA)
- Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
- Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
What Our Client Offers
- Salary of £40,000 to £50,000 depending on experience
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- A supportive, inclusive team culture
- Strong focus on wellbeing and work-life balance
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Clear progression opportunities
- The chance to work on high-profile, meaningful projects across the UK
Eligibility
This role may require UK security clearance. Candidates may need to demonstrate 5+ years UK residency, depending on project requirements. Right to work in the UK is required.
Opportunity for Growth
This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly respected ecology team with clear progression routes into senior leadership, technical specialism, or project leadership. You'll be supported through professional development and mentoring, with the chance to work on projects that make a measurable difference to the natural 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 employer: Advance TRS
Contact Detail:
Advance TRS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecology field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best ecological assessments, habitat designs, and any innovative mitigation strategies you've developed. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research the company and its projects thoroughly, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Don’t forget to prepare some thoughtful questions to show your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us get to know you better right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior / Principal Ecologist role. Highlight your ecological assessments, habitat design, and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can contribute to our 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 your experience aligns with our client's needs. Be sure to mention any innovative approaches you've taken in past projects.
Showcase Your Report Writing Skills: Since strong report writing is key for this role, consider including examples of reports or assessments you've completed. We love attention to detail, so make sure your application is clear and concise!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance TRS
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and ecological assessments. Be ready to discuss your experience with UKHab surveys, PEAs, and EcIAs. Showing that you’re well-versed in these areas will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves acting as an ecology lead, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed projects or mentored junior staff in the past. Highlighting your leadership experience will show that you can take charge and guide a team effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This position requires collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders. Think of instances where you've successfully engaged with clients or worked within a team to achieve a common goal. Being able to communicate your approach to stakeholder engagement will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to habitat design and mitigation strategies. Prepare to discuss innovative approaches you've taken in previous projects. This will not only showcase your problem-solving skills but also your ability to think creatively about ecological challenges.
