Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team while managing exciting environmental projects.
- Company: Established consultancy known for its commitment to ecological conservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, enhanced leave, and professional memberships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental protection and sustainable development.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of UK ecology and proven leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a multidisciplinary team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
New available with an established consultancy, working as part of the Southampton office for the terrestrial ecology division to deliver a range of environmental projects. This role involves collaborating with various clients across the UK, including conservation agencies, development sectors, and the water and energy industries. The aim is to balance environmental protection with development needs, ensuring that work adheres to the highest standards while fostering ecological conservation.
A leading environmental consultancy, they specialise in providing expert advice and services across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Their work spans a wide range of industries, including conservation, water, and energy, with a focus on balancing environmental protection and sustainable development. The consultancy is known for its multidisciplinary team of scientists and its commitment to delivering high‑quality, evidence‑based solutions to complex environmental challenges across the UK.
Role & Responsibilities
- Collaborate with senior management to expand the business and set strategic goals
- Lead and mentor a team of consultants, ensuring high‑quality reports and outputs
- Oversee project management and the delivery of consultancy services
- Participate in business development and networking events
- Engage with clients, maintaining and expanding relationships to secure new work
- Ensure compliance with health and safety standards and contribute to continuous improvements.
Required Skills & Experience
- Comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology and environmental legislation
- Expertise in protected species surveys and mitigation projects
- Experience managing a terrestrial ecology portfolio and offering ecological advice to clients
- Proven leadership skills with a track record of mentoring junior ecologists
- Experience working within a consultancy
- Natural England protected species licence or equivalent expertise
- CIEEM / Chartered status is strongly desirable
- Business development / client relations experience is desirable
- Full UK Driving Licence.
What you get back
- Salary of £45,000 – £60,000
- Hybrid / remote working
- Enhanced annual leave scheme and option to buy / sell days
- Professional memberships
- Mileage – 45p
- Cycle to work scheme, and more.
Principal Ecologist in Southampton employer: Hunter Dunning
Contact Detail:
Hunter Dunning Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with professionals in the ecology field. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous projects and successes in ecological consultancy. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out! If you see a role that excites you, apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK ecology and environmental legislation. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that demonstrate your leadership and project management skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Ecologist role. Highlight your experience with UK ecology, environmental legislation, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about balancing environmental protection with development. Share specific examples of your leadership and mentoring experiences that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t forget to mention your expertise in protected species surveys and mitigation projects. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know about your qualifications and any relevant licences you hold.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hunter Dunning
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK ecology and environmental legislation. Be prepared to discuss specific protected species surveys and mitigation projects you've worked on, as this will show your expertise and relevance to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves mentoring a team, be ready to share examples of how you've led and supported junior ecologists in the past. Highlight any successful projects where your leadership made a difference, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire a team.
✨Engage with Business Development
Familiarise yourself with the consultancy's approach to business development. Think of ways you've successfully built client relationships or secured new work in previous roles, and be prepared to discuss these experiences during the interview.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of health and safety standards in this role, be ready to talk about your experience ensuring compliance in past projects. This could include discussing specific challenges you faced and how you contributed to continuous improvements in your previous roles.
