At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage large-scale ecological projects while providing expert advice to clients.
- Company: Join a growing ecology team in a relaxed rural office near Southampton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, generous leave, and healthcare scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with training opportunities and regular social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and shape the future of ecological consultancy.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in ecological consultancy with strong project management and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
My client has an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Ecologist to join their growing Ecology team at High Senior or Principal grade.
The role will be based from rural offices not far from Southampton and offers significant flexible working arrangements, including part-time work.
As a key member of the team, you will take responsibility for project‑managing large‑scale, complex, and non‑standard projects.
This includes day‑to‑day project management, preparing deliverables such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, ES Chapters, BNG Assessments and Habitat Regulations Assessments, and leading the quality assurance of deliverables prepared by others.
You will provide high‑quality advice to key clients, design and support mitigation, compensation, and enhancement measures, and manage client relationships to contribute to business growth.
In addition, you will form part of the company’s management team, line‑managing a team of ecologists, assisting in staff development, and contributing to wider company development.
Location
Hampshire/Southampton – Significant flexible working options available.
About You
- Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in ecological consultancy, local authority, or a similar environment.
- Extensive ecological experience, customer‑focussed, detail oriented, and a skilled communicator with excellent verbal and written skills.
- Ability to manage client expectations, meet deadlines, and comfortably project‑manage large‑scale, complex projects.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills to meet the challenges posed by clients and the business.
- Experience in field surveys, including UK Habitat Classification and protected species surveys, and office‑based tasks such as client and regulatory liaison, surveyor team management, report writing and budget management.
- Involved in a range of ecological deliverables and in the quality assurance of documents prepared by others.
- Experience in managing a team and contributing to the development and operational activities of the team.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- Full CIEEM membership.
- Degree in a relevant subject.
- At least two Natural England/Natural Resources Wales protected species class licences.
- Minimum of 6 years post‑qualification experience in an ecologically focussed role, preferably in ecological consultancy.
- Independent management of large‑scale ecological projects, preferably significant multi‑phased residential development projects.
- Experience preparing a wide range of technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, ES Chapters, Habitat Regulations Assessments, and other technical reports.
- Experience in Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments and designing BNG solutions.
- Experience applying for Natural England mitigation licences and having acted as a Named Ecologist on licences for at least one species.
- Technical quality assurance of deliverables.
- Preparation of tenders and budgets, and active development of client relationships and new business.
- Excellent knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policy and guidance.
- Line‑management experience of junior staff, including workload management and contributing to wider technical development of a team.
- Team‑player with exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including client meetings and stakeholder engagement.
- Proficient MS Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Full driving licence.
- Legal entitlement to work in the UK.
Desirable Skills
- Experience leading or being involved with recruitment of staff.
- Experience developing policy and business strategy.
- Chartered Ecologist.
- Botanical survey skills.
- Ornithological survey skills.
- In Return My Client Offers
- Competitive salary in the range of £40,000 – £60,000, based on experience.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays; additional days accrue after five years of service.
- Access to the company healthcare scheme.
- Opportunity to shape the operational and technical direction of the company.
- Flexible hours over the summer months with option to accrue TOIL or paid overtime.
- Flexibility to work from home with prior agreement.
- Generous structured training budget and regular in‑house training.
- Extensive support network within the company for guidance and specialist advice.
- Relaxed office environment.
- Regular social events and yearly charity days.
- Rural office location with free car parking, large garden, wildlife ponds and lunch area.
- Contact Us
If you are interested in this position or similar roles currently available, please contact Jeremy Money at jeremy@jsm-associates. co. uk.
Note that if we do not respond within one working week, your application will be considered unsuccessful for this role.
We will confidentially retain your details and inform you of other suitable opportunities should you not be successful in this role.
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Principal Ecologist in North East employer: JS Money Limited
JS Money Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture in the picturesque setting of Cheltenham. Employees benefit from extensive training opportunities that foster personal and professional growth, while also being part of an award-winning team dedicated to impactful ecological projects. The hybrid work model ensures flexibility, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the field of ecology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist in North East
✨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 JS Money Limited.
✨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 JS Money Limited and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist in North East
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 JS Money Limited.
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. JS Money Limited 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 JS Money Limited. 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 JS Money Limited
✨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 JS Money Limited, 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 JS Money Limited 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.
