Principal Ecologist in Manchester

Principal Ecologist in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 45000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage ecology projects, delivering strategic ecological services from start to finish.
  • Company: Dynamic consultancy focused on ecological sustainability and team growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, enhanced pension, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with training budgets and volunteering days.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in ecology while leading a passionate team and shaping future projects.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in ecology consultancy, strong knowledge of UK legislation, and proven leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.

Salary: GBP45,000 - GBP50,000 per annum

Location: Manchester

Looking to lead and develop an Ecology portfolio and grow a team? As Principal Ecologist you’ll lead, manage and deliver ecology services taking projects from start to finish. You will also be a key player in supporting the growth of the team to achieve business goals. A technical focus is needed here, along with the ability and experience in team leadership & business development.

What’s in it for you?

  • Salary up to £50k (DOE)
  • Holiday entitlement: 24 days annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30 days after two years of service, plus Bank Holidays
  • Enhanced Pension: Matched increased contributions up to 7.5%, should you choose to contribute more
  • Professional development: One paid professional membership per year
  • Travel support: Opportunity to apply for an interest-free loan for the purchase of an annual travel season ticket
  • Training and Development: Training budget and opportunities to upskill, 1 volunteering day per year

The Role

You’ll be responsible for the delivery of strategic ecology services across projects contributing to tendering, fee proposals, and bids, managing multiple projects, leading surveys and managing Ecologists from Assistant to Senior. Your work will include:

  • Take the lead on ecological surveys including BNG, PEA, protected species and EcIAs, HRA’s
  • Provide ecological Clerk of Works (ECow) support projects
  • Start to finish project management, quotation, budget control, invoicing & scheduling.
  • Providing strategic ecological advice to clients
  • Develop and implement strategies to minimise ecological impacts and deliver BNG
  • Ecological due diligence and advising on BNG opportunities
  • Prepare technical documents, BNG calculations and ecological reports

This role is about delivering projects and providing commercially astute, honest and clear ecological advice that shapes long‑term relationships and leads growth within the business.

About You

  • 5+ years experience delivering strategic ecology within consultancy, rural practice or development
  • Strong understanding of BNG, PEA & EcIAs, ECoW, HRA
  • Full CIEEM membership (MCIEEM)
  • Proven ability to provide guidance and advice on ecological matters
  • Extensive knowledge of UK habitat & protective species legislation
  • UK Drivers Licence
  • Experience preparing ecological reports and technical documents
  • Confident engaging with regulators, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams

Principal Ecologist in Manchester employer: MorePeople

As a Principal Ecologist with us in Manchester, you will thrive in a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. We offer competitive salaries, generous holiday entitlements, and a commitment to your ongoing training, ensuring you have the resources to excel in your role while making a meaningful impact on ecological projects. Join our team and be part of a company that values innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.

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Contact Details:

MorePeople Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other ecologists and professionals in the field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with BNG, PEA, and EcIAs. Share specific examples of projects you've led and how you’ve made a positive impact. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you manage projects from start to finish and how you support team growth. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your strategic thinking.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application reflects your passion for ecology and your ability to lead a team. Let’s grow together!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist in Manchester

Ecological Surveying
BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain)
PEA (Preliminary Ecological Appraisal)
EcIAs (Ecological Impact Assessments)
HRA (Habitat Regulations Assessment)
Project Management
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise in ecology to show us you’re the right fit for the Principal Ecologist role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about ecology and how your background aligns with our goals. Don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've led or contributed to.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like successful project completions or team growth under your leadership.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople

Know Your Ecology Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of BNG, PEA, and EcIAs. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you've applied your expertise in these areas. This will show that you're not just familiar with the terms but can also lead and manage projects effectively.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This is crucial for a Principal Ecologist role, so make it clear that you can inspire and develop others.

Be Ready to Discuss Business Development

Since this role involves growing the ecology portfolio, come prepared with ideas on how you could contribute to business development. Whether it's through networking, client engagement, or innovative project proposals, showing your strategic thinking will impress the interviewers.

Prepare Technical Documents

Familiarise yourself with the types of technical documents you'll be expected to prepare, like ecological reports and BNG calculations. Bring samples of your previous work if possible, as this will demonstrate your capability and attention to detail in delivering high-quality outputs.