Principal Ecologist in Colchester

Help establish and lead our new regional office. We're offering a rare opportunity for an experienced Principal Ecologist to establish and lead a new South‐East office, backed by the support and stability of an established consultancy. You'll enjoy genuine influence, flexible working, a discretionary 9‐day fortnight, group‐wide learning opportunities, and the chance to shape a growing team while working on impactful ecological projects.

About Us: Ethos Environmental Planning Ltd is part of the Celnor Group, a network of specialist environmental, testing, inspection, and risk‐management businesses committed to protecting people, places, and the planet. Being part of Celnor gives you access to shared tools, development pathways, and group‐wide opportunities, while retaining the expertise and identity that makes Ethos a trusted ecological consultancy. Ethos is an environmental planning consultancy based in the world heritage city of Bath and working across the UK. We are a multi‐disciplinary consultancy providing decision‐making in relation to planning with a focus on ecology, green space, and biodiversity net gain.

About the Opportunity: Over recent years, we've developed strong and growing relationships with clients across the East and South‐East of England. Demand has now reached the point where we're ready to establish a new regional office — and we're looking for an experienced Principal Ecologist to help create, shape, and lead it. We don't have a fixed location in mind for the new office; we're driven by finding the right person. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for someone ready to take the next step in their career: the chance to build a team from the ground up, while still enjoying the stability, support, and shared resources of an established consultancy. While you'll have the space to shape and grow this new office, you'll also be part of a connected, supportive team with a track record of delivering high‐quality ecological services across the UK. You'll take a key role across the business, helping to set technical standards, guide project delivery, mentor colleagues, and contribute actively to the Ethos Management Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct UK Habitat surveys, hedgerow assessments, and condition assessments.
• Lead protected species surveys (e.g., bats, GCN, reptiles, dormouse, birds).
• Deliver ecological supervision including watching briefs, toolbox talks, and Ecological Clerk of Works duties.
• Lead and approve EcIAs, ES chapters, licence applications, mitigation strategies, and management plans.
• Lead Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments using DEFRA Metric and related tools (BREEAM, Habitat Regulations, etc.).
• Ensure consistency, technical quality, and continuous improvement in ecological assessments.
• Analyse ecological data, assess impacts, and apply the mitigation hierarchy to develop robust strategies.
• Design and deliver ecological monitoring schemes.
• Produce GIS mapping of habitats and ecological features.
• Prepare and provide ecological evidence for appeals.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of projects, including complex programmes.
• Lead communication with clients and stakeholders, offering expert ecological advice.
• Attend project meetings and liaise with statutory and non‐statutory consultees.
• Prepare and review quotes, invoices, budgets, and proposals.
• Oversee survey planning, team resourcing, and workflow to ensure deadlines are met.
• Coordinate operational procedures including timetables, reporting, and delivery standards.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for new clients and project growth.
• Implement systems to support efficiency and good practice.
• Review and implement fee rates across the new office.
• Ensure team capacity aligns with workflow, and support recruitment as the office grows.
• Mentor and develop staff, delivering training sessions and leading appraisals.
• Support the Managing Director with HR, H&S compliance, and staff wellbeing.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Minimum 6 years' experience in the ecology sector.
• Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Full CIEEM membership (or equivalent).
• Strong field skills and species identification expertise.
• Experience designing and overseeing complex ecological surveys.
• Proven ability to assess impacts and develop mitigation strategies.
• Experience with protected species licensing; holding at least one personal licence.
• Ability to lead and approve high‐quality EcIAs and ES chapters.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, and guidance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Initiative, enthusiasm, and a commitment to continued learning.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to work independently and manage your own workload.

Job Benefits

• Senior role with genuine influence over practice and office development.
• Part of a trusted and growing group of environmental consultancies.
• Access to group‐wide learning programmes, CPD, and networking.
• Work on projects that make a meaningful environmental impact.
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata).
• Discretionary 9‐day fortnight (every other Friday off).
• Staff mentoring and support.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• TOIL and paid overtime.
• Minimum 4 days formal training per year (including minimum 2 days external).
• Work‐related expenses covered, including mileage at £0.45 / mile.
• Statutory sickness and parental leave in line with current guidance.
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 4% employer matched).

As a part of Celnor Group, we offer solutions to technical and environmental challenges for customers across a range of industries and regulatory environments. Celnor invests in the growth, development, and training of all its colleagues.