At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead habitat surveys and support biodiversity initiatives across major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a leading UK contractor with a strong commitment to ecological sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid role with travel across the South East and South West.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while working on diverse and exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecological surveys and knowledge of UK legislation required.
£50,000 - £75,000 + Company Car + benefits
Home-based with weekly travel to offices and sites across the South East and South West.
Are you ready to help shape an in-house ecology team that protects habitats and supports vital infrastructure delivery? We are looking for a Principal Ecologist to join a leading UK principal contractor, turning over in excess of £2bn. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the UK's leading infrastructure businesses and play a key role in delivering ecological support across major infrastructure projects. The team is expanding significantly, offering excellent long term career progression and exposure to a diverse range of projects, habitats and protected species work. This is a hybrid role, with offices based across Oxfordshire, Beaconsfield, Bristol, Exeter, Cambridge, Suffolk, Ipswich, Luton or Winchester.
Key responsibilities of the Principal Ecologist:
- Lead and support habitat and species surveys, ensuring ecological requirements are met.
- Manage ECoW requirements, impact assessments, licensing and mitigation activities.
- Contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery, including BNG condition assessment.
- Engage confidently with project teams to coordinate priorities and expectations.
The successful Principal Ecologist will have:
- Experience in field surveys and reporting, including UK Habitat Classification assessment, BNG condition assessment and protected species surveys.
- Sound knowledge of ecological principles, legislation, policy and guidance.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities effectively.
- Valid UK driving licence, with willingness to travel and stay away from home for short periods when required.
If you're looking to join a supportive, values-driven team and make a tangible difference to biodiversity outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.
Principal Ecologist employer: Irwin & Colton
Join a leading UK principal contractor that values ecological integrity and offers a supportive, values-driven work culture. As a Principal Ecologist, you'll benefit from excellent career progression opportunities while working on diverse projects across the South East and South West, all within a hybrid role that promotes work-life balance. With a commitment to biodiversity and a focus on employee development, this company is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of ecology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal 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 Irwin & Colton.
✨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 Irwin & Colton and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal 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 Irwin & Colton.
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. Irwin & Colton 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 Ecologist at Irwin & Colton. 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 Irwin & Colton
✨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 Irwin & Colton, 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 Irwin & Colton 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.
