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 solutions and professional growth.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
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? Well then why not get in touch with us today!
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 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 £40,000‑£50,000 (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.
Apply today or for any further information or queries about the role please do get in touch with the team today. RSK Group is an Inclusive Employer.
We are a multi‑disciplinary consultancy specialising in ecology, habitat management, arboriculture, and landscape design, based in Essex, UK. Since our company’s founding, we have grown to become a leading UK provider of specialist ecological, arboricultural and landscape design consulting services. We are known for devising sustainable, pragmatic, and client‑focused solutions. Our diverse portfolio includes clients in the fields of infrastructure, development, conservation charities and individual bespoke projects. Our business is continuing to expand into new markets, and we are forming new teams to meet future challenges. SES has a team of 52 qualified ecologists, landscape architects, arboriculturists and coordination and support staff.
Currently, we’re working with Barratt Homes and the RSPB on a large residential housing development, Kingsbrook, a case study in the biodiversity net gain best practice principles for development. Our ecological work includes due diligence reporting, land appraisals, habitat design and creation, protected species surveys and ecological impact assessments. Landscape design and planning services teams specialise in strategic projects, combining an innovative and context‑led approach to design.
At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees. Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. 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. By providing workplace adjustments, we make it easier for people to confidently explore and pursue our career opportunities and recognise that flexibility is key to fostering a dynamic and thriving workplace. Many of our office‑based positions benefit from a flexible working arrangement, allowing our team members to achieve a balance between professional and personal commitments. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities. If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all.
Senior/Principal Ecologist in Southampton 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 professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful ecological projects in the South East of England. Join us to enjoy competitive benefits, including generous holiday allowances and tailored professional development plans, all within a diverse and inclusive environment.
Contact Detail:
Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Ecologist in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecology sector, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best projects and achievements in ecology. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this as a conversation starter to demonstrate your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Southern Ecological Solutions, and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in biodiversity net gain and ecological assessments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Ecologist in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in ecology. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Ecologist, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior position, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've led projects or mentored others in your application. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide their teams!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 ecological principles. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how your expertise can contribute to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Ecologist, you'll be expected to lead complex projects and mentor others. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project, and be ready to share how you foster technical excellence and support career development.
✨Build Client Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to build and maintain strong client relationships. Prepare to discuss how you've contributed to bids and tenders in the past, and how you can help drive business growth for the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to Protected Species Mitigation Strategies, BNG assessments, and other ecological disciplines. Brush up on your technical reports and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making in previous projects.
