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- Tasks: Lead ecological projects, mentor junior ecologists, and engage with clients for sustainable solutions.
- Company: Join Hilson Moran, a certified B Corp redefining responsible building for people and the planet.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days of leave, enhanced pension, wellbeing budget, and fun company events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and community wellbeing while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK habitats, Ecological Impact Assessment, and a degree in Ecology or related field.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Principal Ecological Consultant to work out of our Manchester office. At Hilson Moran, we believe in creating places that give more than they take — for people, for nature, and for the planet. As a certified B Corp and a leader in sustainable design and consultancy, we’re redefining what it means to build responsibly. Our work spans the UK and beyond, delivering integrated, science-led solutions that support biodiversity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing.
As part of our interdisciplinary Infrastructure & Environment group, you’ll work alongside engineers, transport specialists and environmental scientists to deliver ecological insight across a wide range of projects — from urban regeneration and garden communities to major infrastructure and international masterplans.
Responsibilities- Leading and managing ecological inputs across the project lifecycle — from early-stage surveys to mitigation strategies and post-construction monitoring.
- Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists, helping to build a collaborative, inclusive, and knowledge-sharing culture.
- Engaging with clients and stakeholders, contributing to proposals, tenders, and strategic advice that align with our Net Positive Places approach.
- Championing biodiversity net gain, habitat creation, and nature-based solutions as core components of sustainable placemaking.
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement of 25 days per annum, plus public holidays. Your annual leave entitlement will increase based on length of service with us up to 28 days plus public holidays.
- Enhanced company pension contribution.
- Annual budget to spend on personal wellbeing activities.
- Access to our healthcare scheme.
- Access to confidential wellbeing support services via our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Paid volunteering days to support causes important to you.
- Fun company events including our annual winter party and our full company summer social.
- Season ticket loans.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Options for unpaid leave and career breaks.
- Proven experience in UK habitats and protected species, including relevant survey and/or mitigation licences especially bats.
- A strong track record in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA).
- A deep understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation and metrics.
- Confidence in designing and delivering pragmatic, cost-effective mitigation strategies.
- Experience working with regulators and planning authorities to secure consents and implement ecological best practice.
- A passion for mentoring and developing others, and a desire to contribute to industry innovation and thought leadership.
- Utilise data visualisation technologies for data analysis and visualisation such as GIS.
- Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, or a related field.
- Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Strong English communication skills, both spoken and written.
- Skilled at writing efficient and effective reports.
- Proficient in numerical tasks.
- Proactive and self-motivated.
- Must hold a full valid UK driver’s licence.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Hilson Moran is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all communities.
Principal Ecological Consultant – Manchester employer: Hilson Moran
Contact Detail:
Hilson Moran Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecological Consultant – Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecological field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Ecological Consultant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation and Ecological Impact Assessments. We want to see your passion for sustainable design shine through, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to our Net Positive Places approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mentoring skills! If you’ve got experience supporting junior ecologists, make sure to highlight this during interviews. We value collaboration and knowledge-sharing, so let us know how you can help build a strong team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to create places that give more than they take.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecological Consultant – Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Ecology: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for ecology shine through! We want to see how your values align with our mission of creating sustainable places. Share specific examples of your experience and how they relate to the role.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this position. Highlight your relevant experience in Ecological Impact Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain. We love seeing how you can contribute to our projects, so be specific!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make every word count!
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. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hilson Moran
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK habitats and protected species, especially bats. Be ready to discuss your experience with Ecological Impact Assessments and how you've applied Biodiversity Net Gain legislation in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Since the role involves mentoring junior ecologists, think of examples where you've supported others in their development. Highlight your passion for building a collaborative culture and how you've contributed to knowledge-sharing in previous roles.
✨Engage with Real-World Scenarios
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've led ecological inputs from surveys to post-construction monitoring. Use these examples to demonstrate your ability to deliver pragmatic and cost-effective mitigation strategies.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Be prepared to discuss how you've engaged with clients and stakeholders, and how you can contribute to proposals and strategic advice.
