At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects and provide expert advice on biodiversity and environmental assessments.
- Company: Join Arcadis, a global leader in sustainable design and consultancy.
- Benefits: Access to personal development programmes, mentorship, and a skills-based career path.
- Other info: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while working with a diverse team of experts.
- Qualifications: In-depth ecological knowledge and experience in delivering environmental assessments.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play and together we solve the world’s most complex challenges.
As a Principal Ecologist, you will join a team of over 50 ecologists with more than 30 years of experience in ecological surveys and assessments. You will advise on soil, land use, hydrological and sustainable drainage issues, arboriculture, ecosystem services, natural capital assessment, biodiversity strategies, metrics, and cultural heritage. The role involves working on a wide range of environmental disciplines across the UK, Europe, and internationally for public and private clients such as EDF Energy, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, and many others.
Role Accountabilities
- Accountable for the quality control, coordination and completion of assigned tasks and projects within the Business Unit or project team.
- Lead and manage the delivery of projects to meet time, budgetary and SHEQ targets.
- Manage ecological aspects of the client relationship so that delivery exceeds expectations.
- Provide technical direction and lead by example within the team.
Qualifications & Experience
- Detailed knowledge of ecological principles, biodiversity metrics, and relevant environmental legislation.
- In-depth knowledge of particular plant or animal groups and appropriate field survey skills.
- Proven track record in preparing and delivering Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), and Ecology Chapters for Environmental Statements that have been successfully consented.
- Experience in writing project- or plan‑level Habitat Regulation Assessments (HRAs).
- Excellent commercial and project management skills for a range of project sizes.
- Experience in bid production and client interaction.
- Ability to line‑manage and potentially lead a team.
- Hold survey and/or mitigation/conservation licences.
- Design and compliance of biosecurity and health and safety protocols.
- Chartered Environmentalist/Ecologist or demonstrably approaching Chartered status.
- Full member of CIEEM.
- Ability to travel when necessary.
Benefits & Career Development
You will have access to personal development programmes and mentorship from industry‑recognised technical leaders. We encourage a skills‑based career path that allows you to harness your experience and expertise.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves accountable. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and to provide a great place to work for all employees. We embrace diverse people with different experiences, fostering innovation and improving quality of life.
Principal Ecologist employer: Poutrix
Arcadis is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture where over 36,000 professionals are dedicated to improving quality of life through sustainable solutions. As a Principal Ecologist, you will benefit from extensive personal development programmes and mentorship from industry leaders, while working on impactful projects that address complex environmental challenges across the UK and beyond. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion ensures a supportive environment where every employee can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow ecologists and industry professionals on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to get your name out there and show off your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of ecological principles and recent legislation. Be ready to discuss your experience with PEAs, BNG assessments, and EcIAs, as these will likely come up during the chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led projects, managed client relationships, and exceeded expectations. This is key for a Principal Ecologist role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist
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 knowledge of ecological principles and any relevant project management experience 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 explain why you're passionate about ecology and how your background aligns with our mission at Arcadis. Don’t forget to mention any successful projects you've led that relate to biodiversity strategies or ecological assessments.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a project that exceeded client expectations? Share those success stories with us! This will help us see the impact you can make as part of our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do and our commitment to sustainability!
How to prepare for a job interview at Poutrix
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your ecological principles and biodiversity metrics. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience, especially those related to Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience managing projects, particularly how you've met time and budgetary targets. Think of specific instances where you exceeded client expectations and how you coordinated tasks within a team. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and manage effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Client Relationship Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure satisfaction. This is crucial as the role involves maintaining strong client interactions.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to ecological assessments and environmental legislation. Brush up on relevant laws and regulations, and be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your work. This will show that you have the necessary knowledge to lead projects effectively.
