At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects, mentor colleagues, and assess habitat opportunities across England.
- Company: Join Environment Bank, a leader in restoring natural habitats and biodiversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days leave, and a performance bonus up to 10%.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while working with passionate experts.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or related field, with experience in ecological surveys and assessments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About us
At Environment Bank, we’re working together to help restore natural habitats across England. With thousands of acres of new habitat creation already underway, our projects are delivering biodiversity gains and helping vital ecosystems to recover and flourish. Our diverse team includes ecologists, land managers, habitat specialists, geospatial analysts, planning advisors, account managers, digital creatives, legal experts, and more. From our habitat specialists to our sales and marketing teams, everyone at Environment Bank is a champion for our values, working towards our goal of reversing biodiversity loss. Environment Bank is a market-leading organisation in a sector that’s experiencing rapid growth. We’ve already built a highly skilled team of experts and we’re actively looking to expand our team in the coming months. We’re incredibly proud of all we achieved so far and we’re still growing. If you'd like to be part of a driven organisation that's making a real difference, find your next role with the team at Environment Bank.
About the role
We are seeking a Principal Ecologist to join our Ecology Offers Team. You will provide close support to the Head of Offers, leading on the identification, assessment and development of early-stage Habitat Bank opportunities across England, with a particular focus in your defined geographical region. You will oversee a broad set of responsibilities, mentoring and supporting other ecologists, and ensuring early-stage projects are ecologically robust and commercially viable. This role focuses on feasibility and concept design, working closely with internal teams to deliver commercially viable designs that prioritise delivery of the right habitats in the right places.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on the identification, appraisal and progression of multiple Habitat Bank projects, including complex sites, from initial enquiry through to commercial offer, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and objectives.
- Undertake ecological surveys, including site walkovers, UK Habitat Classification, and habitat condition assessments (ranging from simple to complex habitats), alongside early-stage feasibility assessments, evaluating ecological potential, constraints, BNG suitability and deliverability, and recommending whether sites should progress to offer.
- Manage and prioritise a pipeline of opportunities, assessing ecological value, strategic fit and commercial viability.
- Analyse ecological data and complete Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, determining baseline units and uplift potential.
- Develop concept Habitat Bank designs, setting out habitat creation and enhancement opportunities for a range of sites, including complex projects.
- Produce high‑quality written outputs, GIS mapping and commercial offer materials, clearly communicating site potential and supporting landowner engagement.
- Lead on the development of internal documents, alongside the Head of Offers.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners and stakeholders, acting as a key technical contact and supporting client visits alongside the internal sales team.
- Mentor and support colleagues, contribute to team development, and stay current with ecological research and BNG/Natural Capital best practice to improve delivery and decision‑making.
EDI & Belonging
At the heart of Environment Bank are the people, who make it all possible. We employ individuals, who share the same passion to live our Environment Bank mission and values. At Environment Bank we believe that fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace makes us more innovative, dynamic, and competitive. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone is valued and respected, free from discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status.
Skills and Experience
You are passionate about ecology and motivated by delivering meaningful biodiversity outcomes through practical, evidence‑based work. To be successful in this role, you will bring the following skills and experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, biology or a related discipline (minimum requirement), with a postgraduate qualification desirable.
- Full or Associate CIEEM membership.
- FISC Level 3 (ideally Level 4) or equivalent botanical competency.
- Proven experience leading ecological surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, including complex sites, with strong technical expertise in UK habitat classification, species identification, conservation priorities, and use of the Statutory Biodiversity Metric and GIS software.
- Strong analytical and project leadership experience, delivering feasibility assessments, site approvals and habitat planning across multiple projects.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including producing high‑quality landowner‑facing documents, presenting technical information clearly, and building effective working relationships.
- Valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites across the country.
Work environment & Support
As an organisation, we believe that work should be fulfilling, inspiring, and balanced, so we’re creating a space where our team can thrive, both personally and professionally – providing flexible working arrangements, mental wellbeing support, and more.
Benefits
- Performance‑based annual bonus up to 10% of salary
- Pension scheme with employer‑matched contributions at 6% of salary
- 30 days of annual leave, plus paid bank holidays, birthday and wellbeing day
- Option to purchase 5 additional days of annual leave after probation
- Hybrid flexible working options
- Regional and departmental team co‑working days
- Expenses‑paid whole company meet twice a year
- Team fundraising and charity events
- Ongoing career development with training and mentoring
- Medical cash back scheme to cover everyday healthcare costs
- Employee assistance mental wellbeing support
- Enhanced sickness pay allowance
Principal Ecologist employer: Environment Bank
At Environment Bank, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to restoring natural habitats and promoting biodiversity across England. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering employees ample opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and mentorship. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a supportive environment where every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Environment Bank on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your ecological knowledge and the latest trends in biodiversity. Show us you're passionate about making a difference and have the skills to back it up!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your qualifications; highlight your soft skills too! Communication and teamwork are key in our diverse environment, so share examples of how you've excelled in these areas.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! It shows you're genuinely interested in joining our mission at Environment Bank and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Ecology:When writing your application, let your love for ecology shine through! Share specific examples of how you've contributed to biodiversity projects or any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to the environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to align with our mission at Environment Bank. Highlight your skills and experiences that directly relate to the role of Principal Ecologist and how they can help us achieve our goals.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and structure your application well. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Environment Bank
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your ecological knowledge, especially around UK habitat classification and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with ecological surveys and how you've tackled complex sites.
✨Showcase Your Project Leadership
Prepare to talk about your project leadership experience. Think of specific examples where you've led feasibility assessments or managed multiple projects. Highlight how you prioritised tasks and ensured alignment with organisational goals.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be producing high-quality documents and engaging with stakeholders, practice explaining technical information in a clear and concise manner. You might even want to prepare a mock presentation to demonstrate your communication skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Mentorship
This role involves mentoring other ecologists, so be ready to discuss your approach to teamwork and supporting colleagues. Share examples of how you've contributed to team development and stayed current with ecological research.
