Design - Principal Ecologist
$60,000–$70,000 year
On-siteBirmingham, England, United Kingdom
Job Summary
Lead ecological delivery across complex infrastructure projects, embedding environmental considerations throughout the project lifecycle. Provide expert advice on ecological risks, constraints, mitigation, Biodiversity Net Gain strategies, and regulatory compliance while overseeing surveys, assessments, and licence applications. Act as a technical lead for multidisciplinary teams, ensuring adherence to UK wildlife legislation and industry best practice. Manage and mentor a team of ecologists, supporting performance, career progression, and the development of ecological standards. Deliver biodiversity enhancement and habitat management strategies to support sustainable project outcomes. This role requires a commercially aware professional with extensive experience in ecological consultancy and protected species licensing. Full UK driving licence required; sponsorship not available.
Required Qualifications
- Degree qualified in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Zoology, or a related discipline
- Experience managing people across different levels, helping them develop and succeed
- Extensive experience in ecological consultancy or infrastructure projects, including leading complex ecological programmes
- Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, protected species licensing, and ecological best practice
- Proven experience in ecological surveys, impact assessments, mitigation, compliance, and habitat management
- Experience delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) strategies and working within EcIA, HRA, and EIA frameworks
- Ability to provide pragmatic, commercially focused ecological advice and effectively manage ecological risks
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, report-writing, and technical review skills
- Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams
- Commitment to continuous professional development and industry best practice
- Full UK driving licence
- Alternative right to work for the duration of employment
Desired Qualifications
- Protected species licences
- Chartered Ecologist status (or working towards)
- Experience in habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement projects
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