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- Tasks: Lead ecological surveys and prepare impactful environmental reports.
- Company: Join a top global Environmental Consultancy making a difference.
- Benefits: Gain mentorship, project management experience, and work with a passionate team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while growing your expertise in ecology.
- Qualifications: Must have a degree in ecology and relevant licenses; experience preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for full membership in the Chartered Institute of Ecology.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Principal Ecologist
Remote – UK Wide considered
Preferred locations for occasional project travel – Midlands, South/West Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire
Fulltime permanent
Salary: ÂŁ50,000 – ÂŁ65,000+ bonus + benefits
A full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle will be required for this position.
🌿Our client has invested in cutting-edge technology, pioneering science-based nature-based consultancy and contracting for 3 decades.
âť“Are you seeking a consultancy position outside of the typical development work?
âť“Are you currently leading in projects, technical expertise (BNG, EcIA & quotations)?
âť“Are you looking for a flexible and supportiveopportunity within a people-focused and innovative consultancy with a long-standing history of providing excellence landscape-scale habitat restoration projects?
âť“Are you an experienced senior or established principal looking for a lead role?
This could well be the wonderful business and position for you.
The company
Our innovative and reputable client are seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist who is passionate about driving large-scale, impactful projects and restoring ecosystems.
Take the lead on high-profile ecological and rewilding initiatives, making a significant difference for biodiversity while advancing your career in a dynamic, growth-focused environment.
Known for their collaborative and understanding values, the day-to-day running of the business represents just that.
The Role – Principal Ecologist
- Manage projects, budgets and cashflow, attend meetings, provide advice to clients and manage bid production.
- Lead, motivate and manage a brilliant team
- Hold responsibility for technical quality and approval of project deliverables
- Provide technical input and review for ecological quotations, reports, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), and rewilding strategies.
- Conduct licensable work in relation to protected species
- Work closely with marketing and partnerships
- Mentor staff towards licensable standards
- Liaise with statutory authorities
- Undertake performance management of assigned team members
- Provide training and mentoring to staff
- Deliver business development strategies
- Design research projects and contribute to the development of best practice with respect to training and survey standards
- Be yourself, enthusiastic and enable personal and professional development
About You
The ideal candidate will be an experienced ecologist with a proven track record in delivering high-quality ecological assessments, BNG, and project leadership.
Skilled in stakeholder engagement, you bring solid technical expertise, commercial awareness, and the ability to mentor and support a growing team.
With in-depth knowledge of ecological legislation and rewilding principles, you’re ready to take on a senior leadership role and drive impactful nature recovery projects.
Required Attributes:
- A passion for restoration
- A degree in Ecology or a related field
- Circa 8 years’ experience in ecology consultancy
- CIEEM member
- Chartered Environmentalist/Ecologist status is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in delivering competitive quotations, BNG assessments, EcIAs, and ecological reports.
- Holds Licences for protected species held
- Excellent knowledge of wildlife legislation and policy.
- Detailed understanding of ecological and rewilding principles, biodiversity metrics, and relevant environmental legislation.
- Experience in writing and delivering PEAs, BNG assessments, EcIAs, and Ecology Chapters for Environmental Statements.
- Experience in technical and quality review of ecological reports.
- Solid commercial awareness and project management skills.
- Internal and external stakeholder liaison
- Experience in working cross functionally to deliver high quality results for clients and key accounts.
- Line management and team leadership experience.
What’s in it for you?
- ÂŁ50,000 – ÂŁ65,000
- Remote working options and compressed hours to support work-life balance.
- 4-day week or 9-day fortnight on offer
- Generous holiday allowance
- Company pension contribution.
- Healthcare services.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Enhanced benefits supporting you through life’s milestones.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training allowance.
- Clear career pathways towards leadership roles.
- Occupational Health Platform and Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support.
- Internal Reward Points Scheme.
- Gadgets and tech provided
Please reach out to Jim Merryfield at 🌍CleanTech Talent if you require any assistance with your application.
APPLY NOW for more information and discuss your application
CleanTech Talent are acting as an employment agency for this position.
Principal Ecologist employer: CleanTech Talent
Contact Detail:
CleanTech Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to network with professionals in the ecological field, especially those who are already working in environmental consultancies. Attend industry conferences or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest ecological regulations and survey techniques. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current employees at the consultancy for informational interviews. This can provide you with valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your project management skills by discussing relevant experiences where you successfully led initiatives or collaborated with teams. Highlighting these abilities can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in ecological surveys, project management, and client relations. Emphasize any specific licenses or memberships, such as with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for ecology and environmental consultancy. Mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job description, particularly those involving protected species surveys and ecological impact assessments.
Showcase Technical Skills: Detail your technical skills related to ecological reporting and data entry. Provide examples of reports or assessments you have authored, especially those that demonstrate your knowledge of biodiversity and ecological regulations.
Highlight Team Collaboration: Discuss your experience working in teams with other ecologists and environmental experts. Provide examples of how you contributed to team projects and managed relationships with clients to showcase your collaborative skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at CleanTech Talent
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with ecological surveys, particularly protected species surveys and Phase 1 habitat assessments. Highlight specific projects you've worked on and the methodologies you employed.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Since project management is a key aspect of the role, share examples of medium- to large-scale initiatives you've managed. Discuss how you coordinated with teams and ensured successful project delivery.
✨Familiarize Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Understanding wildlife laws and ecological survey techniques is crucial. Brush up on pertinent regulations and be ready to discuss how they impact your work and decision-making processes.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction Scenarios
As client relations are part of the role, think of examples where you've successfully communicated with clients or stakeholders. Be ready to explain how you handle feedback and maintain professional relationships.
