At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex ecological projects and mentor a dynamic team of ecologists.
- Company: Join Southern Ecological Solutions, part of the innovative RSK Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainable growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in ecology while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology, strong consultancy experience, and protected species licences required.
Are you an experienced ecologist looking for your new challenge within the ecology sector? Do you want to bring your expertise and knowledge to help us succeed?
The Role
Southern Ecological Solutions, part of the RSK Group, is seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to play a key leadership role within our team based in the South East of England. This is a senior technical and client-facing position, suited to an individual with strong consultancy experience who is confident leading complex projects, supporting team development and helping to drive continued business growth. You will act as a technical authority across a range of ecological disciplines, providing oversight, mentoring and quality assurance, while maintaining hands-on involvement in project delivery. The role also offers significant autonomy, influence over project direction, and clear progression opportunities within SES and the wider RSK Group.
Main Responsibilities
- Leading and managing complex ecological projects, including large-scale developments and infrastructure schemes.
- Acting as 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.
You will also be required to have a full UK driving licence and use of your own vehicle.
Personal Attributes
You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in client-facing roles. You will be a strong leader and be able to mentor and provide valuable support to other staff members. Being a proactive self-starter will allow you to be successful and confident in leading on a wide range of projects across the business.
Why Join Us
Along with a competitive salary of £35,000 - £48,000 for Senior Level Candidates and £40,000-£58,000 for Principal Level Candidates (depending on experience), you will enjoy a wide range of company benefits.
Company Benefits
- Birthday Leave: Enjoy a day off to celebrate your birthday in addition to your 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: Benefit from our life assurance plan to provide peace of mind.
- Hybrid working: Flexible working from home, site and the office with flexible working hours (role dependant).
- Private Medical Insurance: Access private medical insurance to take care of your health.
- Flexible Benefits Programme: Tailor your benefits with options to buy additional holidays, health cash plans, and discounted gym memberships, allowing you to choose what suits you best.
- Targeted CPD plan: Support, and rapid progression for ambitious candidates.
- Professional membership: Fees will be covered by the company.
RSK Group is an Inclusive Employer
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.
Senior/Principal Ecologist employer: Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
Southern Ecological Solutions, part of the RSK Group, is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a strong commitment to a people-first culture, we offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a flexible working environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our inclusive work culture encourages diverse perspectives, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to meaningful ecological projects in Essex.
Contact Details:
Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Ecologist
✨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 Southern Ecological Solutions (SES).
✨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 Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Ecologist
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 Southern Ecological Solutions (SES).
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. Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) 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 Senior/Principal Ecologist at Southern Ecological Solutions (SES). 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 Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
✨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 Southern Ecological Solutions (SES), 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 Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) 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.
