At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful ecology projects and manage a dynamic team in sustainable development.
- Company: Join a consultancy dedicated to climate resilience and sustainable practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, enhanced pension, and professional development support.
- Other info: Enjoy 23 days holiday, volunteer days, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in biodiversity while collaborating with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in relevant field, protected species licence, and strong report writing skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Reference: 4740717Job ID: 5354395Posted: 2026-05-29Closing date: 2026-08-27Location: Leeds / Manchester
- Salary: 50,000 - 65,000 (DOE) (per annum)Job type: Permanent Working pattern: Full time
- Industry: Construction / Environment
- Company: Hays
- Consultant: Ethan Taylor Hays office: Leicester — 1st & 2nd Floor, 2 Colton Square
Phone: 0116 253 8097Email: ethan. taylor@hays. com Your new company My client is a consultancy focussing on sustainable development, climate change risk, energy & carbon management/reduction, natural capital, ESG and the like.
They have genuine values which feed into the work that they do and embodies their aim to create climate resilience.
Your new role You'll primarily be managing a team to deliver and/or working on strategic masterplans, conducting ecological and UKHab surveys that feed into wider Biodiversity Net-Gain and Natural Capital projects, whilst primarily project managing.
Otherwise, they work on planning projects for the residential, education, accomodation and health sectors.
They do not work on infrastructure; rail, road projects.
The role will involve working with a range of stakeholders, including developers, architects, and local authorities, as well as more junior ecologists to deliver works.
You'll be working with some very well-recognised individuals in the industry who are working at a high level in things such as IEMA steering groups, Natural England advisory boards, writing codes of conduct in relation to carbon calculations and other research-based work.
Lead and deliver high-impact ecology and biodiversity projects Provide technical QA reviews for reports including PEAs, BNG assessments, BREEAM Ecology Credit Assessments and protected species reports.
Produce complex Ec IAs, HRAs or other non-typical assessments and reports.
Lead/organise simple to medium complexity field surveys, including UKHab / PEA and bat surveys.
Manage biodiversity net gain projects.
Manage complex projects from inception to completion.
Collaboration on large-scale projects from inception to completion Manage ecological assessments (PEAs, BNG Assessments, BREEAM ecology reports)Lead and support the ecology team Develop clients, building strong relationships Conduct business development and be present at industry events What you'll need to succeed BSc and/or MSc in a relevant degree Protected species licence holder Full CIEEM membership and working toward chartership Excellent report writing skills and QA experience.
Strong GIS skills; QGIS & COREO.
Excellent working knowledge of the UKHab and BNG metrics / guidelines.
Able to produce a BREEAM Ecology Credit Report for complex sites.
Strong botanical skills and ideally FISC 4 qualified or higher.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Always stay up to date with evolving legislation and methods.
What you'll get in return Competitive salary of 50,000 - 65,000 (Depending on level) with a potential for discretionary bonus.
Enhanced pension contributions.
Support towards professional memberships and licences.
Cycle to work scheme.
Hybrid working with the possibility of working abroad part of the year.
Employee perk scheme (health and well-being based).
Two volunteer days per year Enhanced family policies.
Training in your discipline as well as others (both formal and relaxed).23 days holiday plus bank holidays, with offices closed over the Christmas period.
What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. #4740717 - Ethan Taylor
Principal / Associate Ecologist employer: Hays
Join a well-established ecological consultancy in Kent that prioritises work-life balance and professional development. With a collaborative team culture and a commitment to delivering high-quality ecological advice, this company offers meaningful career progression opportunities for ecologists. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and the chance to work on diverse projects across the South East and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal / Associate Ecologist
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Hays.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Hays and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal / Associate Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Hays.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Hays will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal / Associate Ecologist at Hays. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Hays, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Hays that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
