An exciting opportunity to further strengthen and lead our ecological presence within our Ecology team.
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Principal Ecologist to join our team, working closely with our other disciplines including landscape and arboricultural teams.
We also believe in giving back and offer a 4-day working week, on a salary equal to 5 days, so 80% of your time for 100% pay.
The role
- Act as Project Director on large or complex projects, with accountability for delivery, quality, and client satisfaction.
- Lead and oversee ecological project teams across a diverse portfolio.
- Manage projects and liaise with clients on high-value and complex schemes.
- Conduct preliminary ecology appraisals.
- Prepare ecological impact assessments.
- Prepare habitats regulations assessments.
- Prepare biodiversity net gain assessments.
- Oversee protected species surveys, licensing and mitigation strategies.
- Review, quality- assure and sign off technical reports and deliverables.
- Mentor and develop ecologists across all levels of the team.
You will be confident scoping, designing and leading ecological surveys and projects, while also building strong, lasting client relationships. You’ll take ownership of growing your portfolio, winning work for both yourself and the wider team, and contributing to the ongoing success of our ecology discipline.
Expect diverse tasks. Dive into complex and high-impact projects, collaborate cross-discipline, and respond to the ever-changing needs of the natural environment. While the pace is lively, there are always opportunities to reflect and innovate. No two days are the same.
About You
- Strong academic qualifications in ecology or biological sciences.
- Full member of CIEEM (MCIEEM or working towards chartership preferred).
- Extensive understanding of legislative and planning policy frameworks.
- Advanced survey skills, including UK habitat classification and protected species surveys.
- Holder of one or more protected species licences (desirable).
- Significant experience liaising with clients, statutory bodies and local planning authorities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise at a senior level.
- Highly developed report writing, review and quality assurance capabilities.
- Exceptional project management skills, delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
- Proven experience in mentoring and developing team members.
- A strong track record of business development and securing projects.
- A collaborative approach that aligns with our values and supports cross-discipline working.
- Full UK driving licence.
Salary: £48,450 - £52,040 dependent on experience
Location: Bristol. We operate a hybrid working model with an expectation of 2 days a week in the office – this can include on-site days.
