At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead large-scale ecological projects and manage technical delivery across the UK.
- Company: Join a leading independent environmental consultancy with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and green infrastructure in exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or related field; experience in ecological consultancy required.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 Β£ per year.
Our client, a leading UK-based independent environmental consultancy, is seeking a Principal Ecological Consultant to join their team. You will play a key part in the delivery of large-scale ecological projects across the UK.
About the role:
- Particular focus on DCO and NSIP projects, including onshore wind, ground-mounted solar, and major residential or commercial developments.
- Primarily focused on project management and technical delivery, overseeing ecological inputs from feasibility through to consent.
- Limited routine fieldwork, with emphasis on coordination, review, interpretation, and reporting of survey data.
- Lead and manage ecological projects and workstreams.
- Liaise closely with clients, planning consultants, engineers, landscape architects, and sub-consultants.
- Responsible for programme and budget management, technical leadership, and quality assurance of outputs.
- Contribute to fee proposals and tenders.
- Author, review, and sign off technical reports, particularly Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
- Capability to undertake and oversee ecological surveys when required, including UKHab habitat surveys.
- Collaborate with landscape designers and other disciplines to deliver mitigation, enhancement, and compensation measures.
- Shape solutions that meet Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and wider green infrastructure objectives.
About you:
- Degree (BSc or higher) in ecology or a related environmental discipline.
- Experience within an ecological consultancy, with a proven track record of working on medium to large-scale or complex projects, such as DCO/NSIP schemes, onshore wind, ground-mounted solar, or major residential or commercial developments.
- Ability to take responsibility for the technical delivery and day-to-day management of ecological projects or workstreams.
- Strong understanding of the UK planning system and environmental assessment process, including leading or significantly contributing to Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
- Experience of managing ecological inputs to projects, including coordinating survey programmes, reviewing technical outputs, and ensuring work is delivered to programme, budget and quality expectations.
- Working knowledge of UKHab methodology and protected species surveys, with the ability to oversee, interpret and quality-assure survey work, and to undertake field surveys where required.
- Willingness and ability to undertake occasional site-based surveys or monitoring, recognising that fieldwork will form a relatively small part of the role.
- Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation and its practical application to development-led projects.
- Ability to produce clear, proportionate and defensible reports, and to communicate confidently with clients and project teams.
- Experience of working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams, including planners, engineers, landscape architects and other specialists.
- Competence in the use of GIS and mapping tools to support reporting and project delivery.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach to ecological mitigation, enhancement and design, with an interest in integrating biodiversity and wider green infrastructure benefits into development proposals.
- Experience in one or more protected species disciplines preferred.
- Strong ornithological and/or botanical skills advantageous, especially for large infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
- Strategic and creative approach to embedding ecology into development design.
- Experience in Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and/or DCO documentation is highly desirable.
Whatβs on offer:
- Hybrid/ flexible working model, with the option for part-time.
- Opportunity to join the business at an exciting stage of growth.
- Core role within the team, helping shape and deliver ecological work.
- Supportive working environment with one-to-one mentoring, professional development, and access to external training.
Principal Ecological Consultant in Warrington employer: Locri Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Locri Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecological Consultant in Warrington
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the ecological consultancy field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and donβt be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes itβs not just what you know, but who you know!
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent work, especially in DCO and NSIP projects. We want to see you shine, so come armed with questions that show your interest and understanding of their ecological initiatives.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Be ready to discuss your experience overseeing ecological inputs and managing budgets. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to lead projects and ensure quality outputs, so have some examples ready to share.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, weβre always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to our ecological projects, so make sure you get your name in the mix!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecological Consultant in Warrington
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Ecological Consultant role. Highlight your experience with DCO and NSIP projects, and donβt forget to showcase your project management skills and technical delivery expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why youβre the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role, especially in terms of ecological impact assessments and biodiversity net gain.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Make sure to include your experience with UKHab methodology, GIS tools, and any relevant protected species surveys. This will help us understand your capability to lead and manage ecological projects effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for this exciting opportunity. We canβt wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Locri Recruitment
β¨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Make sure youβre familiar with the types of projects the consultancy handles, especially DCO and NSIP schemes. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences with similar projects and how you managed ecological inputs, as this will show your understanding of the role.
β¨Brush Up on Ecological Assessments
Since you'll be involved in Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, itβs crucial to review these concepts. Prepare to explain how you've contributed to these assessments in past roles and any challenges you faced.
β¨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
This role requires collaboration with various professionals like planners and engineers. Think of examples where you successfully worked within a multi-disciplinary team and how you ensured effective communication and project delivery.
β¨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Approach
Be prepared to discuss how you tackle ecological challenges and integrate biodiversity into development proposals. Share specific instances where youβve developed creative solutions or mitigations that benefited both the project and the environment.