Principal Ecologist in Birmingham

We’re looking for a Principal Ecologist to work in our Environment & Ecology team.

Location: Birmingham

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000, depending on experience, with flexibility for exceptional candidates. Salary may be negotiated further based on relevant experience, specialist expertise, and licences held.

Benefits: Car/allowance, discretionary bonus scheme, enhanced pension, family friendly policies.

Due to continued growth, we are looking for an experienced Principal Ecologist to join our team. In this key leadership role, you will provide expert ecological advice across utility infrastructure projects, ensuring environmental risks are effectively managed and ecological considerations are embedded throughout project delivery. You will lead on complex ecological assessments, protected species mitigation, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) strategies, and regulatory compliance, while working closely with multidisciplinary teams and key stakeholders. As a senior member of the ecology team, you will also mentor and develop colleagues, helping to build capability and support the continued growth of the business. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially aware ecological professional who is passionate about delivering sustainable solutions and leading high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological delivery across complex infrastructure projects, ensuring environmental considerations are embedded throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide expert advice on ecological risks, constraints, mitigation, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee and review ecological surveys, assessments, licence applications, and technical reports, ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Act as a technical lead, working closely with project teams, clients, regulators, and stakeholders to deliver practical and sustainable solutions.
• Ensure compliance with wildlife legislation, planning requirements, ecological licences, and industry best practice.
• Lead the development and implementation of biodiversity enhancement and habitat management strategies.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of ecologists, supporting performance, career progression, and professional development.
• Support resource planning, recruitment, and the continuous improvement of ecological standards and processes across the business.
• Promote innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence while supporting successful project delivery.

About you

• Degree qualified in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Zoology, or a related discipline.
• Experience managing people across different levels, helping them develop and succeed.
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy or infrastructure projects, including leading complex ecological programmes.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, protected species licensing, and ecological best practice.
• Proven experience in ecological surveys, impact assessments, mitigation, compliance, and habitat management.
• Experience delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) strategies and working within EcIA, HRA, and EIA frameworks.
• Ability to provide pragmatic, commercially focused ecological advice and effectively manage ecological risks.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, report‑writing, and technical review skills.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and industry best practice.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Protected species licences, Chartered Ecologist status (or working towards), and experience in habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement projects.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa process. Applicants must therefore have, and maintain, an alternative right to work for the duration of employment.

What’s in it for you?

• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Private GP Helpline & Health Cash Plan
• Avove Discount Scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A selection of lifestyle benefit options
• Financial wellbeing programme
• Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing and onsite mental health first aiders to support our colleagues
• Volunteering days in your community and charity matched giving where we will boost your fundraising.

At Avove, we’re proud to create an environment where people can build meaningful careers, develop their skills and feel supported to reach their full potential. We invest in training and development, provide opportunities to grow, and are committed to a workplace where safety, wellbeing and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. With a strong focus on supporting our people and their families through a broad range of benefits, Avove is a place where you can feel valued, make a real impact and take the next step in your career with confidence.

About Avove

Avove is a leading infrastructure services provider, delivering critical utility and energy solutions across the UK. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation, we specialise in the design, maintenance, and renewal of essential infrastructure for water, energy, and telecoms networks. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to long‑term investment in training, development, and modern equipment to support our teams in delivering high‑quality, reliable services for our clients and communities.

We are an equal opportunities employer. At the heart of what we do is a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate what makes each of us unique and are building a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the application or interview process, please let us know and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can support you.