Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

Cardiff Full-Time 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead ecological projects, mentor colleagues, and drive impactful initiatives.
  • Company: Cura Terrae, a pioneering environmental company with over 30 years of expertise.
  • Benefits: Supportive environment, career growth opportunities, and commitment to employee wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Make a tangible difference in ecology while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in habitat assessments, strong communication skills, and relevant degree.
  • Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to innovation and excellence.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.

Locations: Manchester, Sheffield, Cardiff or Bristol. Shape the future with us – people, projects, and nature-based solutions for lasting impact. At Cura Terrae, our Land and Nature division (formerly Ecus) has been pioneering change in the environmental sector for over 30 years. With our roots in Sheffield and offices across the UK, we’re proud to combine local expertise with nationwide reach. Now, as we continue to grow, we’re looking for Principal Ecologists to join our team and help drive forward an inspiring culture and impactful work.

Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your career or bring a wealth of experience to a new challenge, we’ll support your journey. You’ll join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence—delivering high-quality ecological services across a diverse range of multi‑disciplinary projects. We invest in our people and the latest technology, so you’ll have the tools and support to thrive. You’ll work alongside passionate technical experts and contribute to meaningful, lasting change for our clients, communities, and the environment.

The role: As a Principal Ecologist, you’ll take on a pivotal role within the team—leading projects, mentoring colleagues, and contributing to the success of high‑profile initiatives. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to:

  • Advance their career while making a tangible difference
  • Share expertise and guide early‑career ecologists
  • Manage complex ecological projects from start to finish
  • Strengthen client relationships and influence design decisions

What we’re looking for:

  • Solid experience in UK habitat and protected species assessments
  • Proven ability in report writing, quality assurance, and technical leadership
  • Working knowledge of relevant legislation and best practice standards
  • Strong communication skills and confidence in client‑facing roles
  • Experience with project management and line management responsibilities
  • Relevant degree (postgraduate preferred) in ecology or related discipline
  • Survey and/or mitigation licences (desirable but not essential)
  • A proactive, flexible approach with excellent attention to detail

What you’ll get in return: We care about your growth and wellbeing. At Cura Terrae, you’ll be part of a company that values your contribution and helps you progress. Our benefits reflect our commitment to our people—offering a supportive working environment and opportunities to flourish. If you think you’d be a great fit—whether or not you meet every single requirement—we’d love to hear from you. Bring your passion, curiosity, and experience, and let’s build something meaningful together.

STRICTLY NO AGENCIES. We do not accept CVs from third parties. Any unsolicited applications will be treated as the property of Cura Terrae, and no fees will be paid.

Principal Ecologist employer: Ecus Ltd

Cura Terrae is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration within the environmental sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide a supportive work culture where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive alongside passionate experts. Our offices in Manchester, Sheffield, Cardiff, and Bristol offer unique opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that make a lasting impact on communities and the environment.
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Contact Detail:

Ecus Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.

✨Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles. This is your moment to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit for the Principal Ecologist role.

✨Tailor Your Approach

Every company is different, so make sure you tailor your conversations to match their values and goals. Research Cura Terrae and understand what they’re all about—this will help you align your skills with their needs and stand out from the crowd.

✨Follow Up

After any interviews or networking chats, don’t forget to follow up! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist

UK Habitat Assessments
Protected Species Assessments
Report Writing
Quality Assurance
Technical Leadership
Knowledge of Relevant Legislation
Best Practice Standards
Communication Skills
Client-Facing Skills
Project Management
Line Management
Attention to Detail
Proactive Approach
Flexibility

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Ecologist role. Highlight your experience in UK habitat assessments and project management to show us you’re the right fit!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about ecology and how your background aligns with our mission at Cura Terrae. Don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've led!

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to convey complex information clearly. Whether it’s through your CV or cover letter, let your personality and professionalism shine through!

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. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ecus Ltd

✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK habitat and protected species assessments. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how your expertise can contribute to the role. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also have practical experience.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Ecologist, you'll be leading projects and mentoring others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or guided early-career ecologists in the past. Highlight your ability to influence design decisions and strengthen client relationships.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex ecological concepts. Remember, you want to convey your ideas in a way that’s easy for clients and colleagues to understand.

✨Be Proactive and Detail-Oriented

Demonstrate your proactive approach by preparing questions about the company’s current projects and future goals. Also, pay attention to the details in your application and during the interview—this reflects your attention to quality assurance and best practices.

Principal Ecologist
Ecus Ltd
Location: Cardiff

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