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- Tasks: Lead ecological projects and provide expert advice on rail and infrastructure schemes.
- Company: Dynamic environmental consultancy with a focus on sustainability and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, private medical insurance, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ecological solutions while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science and experience in ecological consultancy.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and mentoring junior staff.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Specialist environmental consultancy delivering high-quality rail and infrastructure projects with a collaborative culture, strong career progression.
Our client is a specialist environmental and sustainability consultancy supporting UK rail and infrastructure projects from planning through to construction. With offices in London, Ipswich and Basingstoke, the team provides practical, high-quality ecological solutions for complex schemes and continues to grow its ecology capability in response to increasing client demand.
A growing independent environmental and sustainability consultancy is seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to lead and deliver ecological services across a range of rail and infrastructure schemes.
The Role
As Principal Ecologist, you will take a leading role in managing ecological projects from inception through to completion, ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and successful outcomes for clients. You will provide expert ecological advice across all project stages, from early planning through to construction and delivery. You will be responsible for overseeing survey design, technical reporting, licensing, and mitigation strategy development, as well as supporting junior staff and contributing to the growth of the ecology team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage ecological projects, including work undertaken by sub-consultants, ensuring compliance with UK environmental legislation and rail industry standards.
- Design, plan and oversee ecological surveys, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 habitat assessments, protected species surveys, Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
- Develop and implement mitigation strategies and biodiversity net gain solutions for rail and infrastructure projects.
- Prepare, review and sign off technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) chapters and technical appendices.
- Provide ecological input to project teams during planning, design and construction phases, identifying constraints and advising on solutions.
- Obtain and manage ecological licences and consents for protected species, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
- Represent the business at client, stakeholder and technical meetings, providing expert ecological advice.
- Mentor, support and quality assure the work of junior ecologists, supporting their professional development.
- Support bid preparation, fee proposals and business development activities within the rail ecology sector.
About You
- Degree qualified in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
- Significant experience working in ecological consultancy, ideally within the rail or infrastructure sectors.
- Strong technical background in habitat and protected species surveys.
- Proven experience managing complex projects and leading ecological workstreams.
- In-depth knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
- Experience obtaining and managing protected species licences.
- Excellent report writing, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ideally a full or associate member of CIEEM (or working towards).
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Company pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Life insurance / death in service cover
- Health and wellbeing programme
- Free parking at selected office locations
- Company events and team activities
- Flexible working arrangements (often referenced as part of culture, depending on role)
- Supportive work environment with professional development opportunities
Principal Ecologist employer: Bridgewater Consultancy UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Bridgewater Consultancy UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the ecology and environmental sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work, including reports, surveys, and any successful projects you've led. This will not only impress potential employers but also give them a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience with ecological projects and how you’ve navigated challenges in compliance and technical reporting. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals like you. Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest opportunities and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role you’re after.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Ecologist role. Highlight your experience in ecological consultancy, especially within rail and infrastructure projects, to show us you’re the right fit.
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 background makes you the perfect candidate for leading ecological projects. Don’t forget to mention your experience with UK wildlife legislation!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical expertise! Be sure to include specific examples of your work with habitat assessments, protected species surveys, and any mitigation strategies you've developed. This will help us understand your capabilities.
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 from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgewater Consultancy UK Ltd
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy. Be ready to discuss specific ecological projects you've managed, especially in the rail or infrastructure sectors. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of complex ecological projects you've led from start to finish. Highlight your role in ensuring compliance and technical excellence. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your impact.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Mitigation Strategies
Since you'll be developing and implementing mitigation strategies, come prepared with examples of how you've approached biodiversity net gain solutions in past projects. This will illustrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to think critically about ecological challenges.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s projects, team culture, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
