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- Tasks: Lead complex ecological projects and mentor a dynamic team of ecologists.
- Company: Join Southern Ecological Solutions, a trusted consultancy in ecology and environmental services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid working, and birthday leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology, protected species licences, and consultancy experience required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and targeted CPD for ambitious candidates.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced ecologist looking for a new challenge within the ecology sector? Bring your expertise and knowledge to help us succeed.
About Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
Southern Ecological Solutions is a trusted consultancy specialising in Ecology, Arboriculture, and Landscape Planning & Design. For over a decade, we have built a reputation for delivering pragmatic, innovative solutions to clients ranging from global corporations to private homeowners. SES is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist for our Midlands team. This senior technical and client‐facing position requires strong consultancy experience and confidence leading complex projects, supporting team development and driving business growth.
Main Responsibilities
- Leading and managing complex ecological projects, including large-scale developments and infrastructure schemes
- Acting as the technical lead and reviewer for PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, protected species mitigation strategies and BNG assessments
- Providing expert advice on ecology, legislation and planning policy (including NPPF and local policy)
- Supporting and mentoring ecologists at all levels, fostering technical excellence and career development
- Overseeing survey design, seasonal programming and risk management across multiple projects
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships, contributing to bids, tenders and fee proposals
- Supporting business development and representing SES at meetings, workshops and stakeholder forums
- Ensuring consistent quality, compliance and best practice across Midlands projects
Key Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- A degree (or equivalent) in ecology or a related discipline
- One or more protected species licences (e.g. bats, GCN)
- Extensive experience within a professional ecological consultancy
- Strong track record of delivering and reviewing complex technical reports
- In-depth knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and guidance
Desirable
- Full or Chartered membership of CIEEM
- Strong botanical competence (FISC Level 4 or equivalent experience)
- Experience leading BNG assessments and advising on biodiversity strategies
- Experience contributing to bids, frameworks or strategic projects
- Full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle required.
Personal Attributes
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, confidence in client‐facing roles, strong leadership, mentoring ability, proactive self‐starter, and ability to lead on a wide range of projects across the business.
Why Join Us
Competitive salary starting at £40,000 plus depending on experience, plus a wide range of company benefits.
Company Benefits
- Birthday Leave – a day off to celebrate your birthday in addition to annual leave
- Generous holiday allowance – start with 23 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 28 days
- Life assurance plan
- Hybrid working – flexible working from home, site and office with flexible working hours (role dependant)
- Private medical insurance
- Flexible benefits programme – options to buy additional holidays, health cash plans and discounted gym memberships
- Targeted CPD plan – support, and rapid progression for ambitious candidates
- Professional membership fees covered by the company
Application
Apply today or for any further information or queries about the role please do get in touch with the team today.
EEO Statement
We are an inclusive employer. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations and those with disabilities.
Principal Ecologist in Birmingham employer: Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
Contact Detail:
Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecology sector and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Principal Ecologist role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past projects and achievements that highlight your consultancy experience and technical skills. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your value to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses, especially around complex ecological projects and client management. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site for the best chance of landing that Principal Ecologist position. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Southern Ecological Solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Ecologist role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leading complex ecological projects and your knowledge of UK wildlife legislation. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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 makes you a perfect fit for SES. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or achievements that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves client-facing responsibilities, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent written and verbal communication skills. Make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We love a good storyteller!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and guidance. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your expertise in these areas, especially regarding protected species and complex ecological projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Ecologist, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Think of instances where you've successfully managed teams or projects, and be ready to share how you fostered technical excellence and supported career development for your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Client-Facing Scenarios
Since this role involves building strong client relationships, practice articulating your approach to client interactions. Prepare to discuss how you've handled challenging situations with clients in the past and how you can contribute to business development at SES.
✨Bring Your A-Game to Technical Discussions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions about PEAs, EcIAs, and BNG assessments. Familiarise yourself with recent case studies or projects you've worked on, and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making in those contexts.
