Principal Ecologist
Summary
Lead a team of ecologists, deliver ecological assessments (PEA, EcIA, HRA, BNG), and advise on habitats and planning policy for a UK property consultancy.
St Neots, Cambridgeshire
Up to £65,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
Hybrid Working
My client is one of the UK's most respected independent property consultancies, employing specialists across rural, commercial, residential, planning, development and environmental disciplines. With a long-established reputation for delivering high-quality professional advice, they advise a diverse portfolio of private clients, landed estates, developers, infrastructure providers, local authorities and corporate organisations throughout the UK. Due to continued growth within their environmental division, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Ecologist to join their established team based in St Neots. This is a genuine leadership opportunity, offering the autonomy to shape the future direction of an already successful ecology service while mentoring a talented team and playing a key role in the continued expansion of the business.This position would suit an ambitious Senior or Principal Ecologist seeking a role that combines technical excellence, commercial influence and people leadership within a highly regarded multidisciplinary consultancy.
Key Responsibilities- Lead, mentor and develop an established team of Ecologists, supporting their technical and professional development.
- Manage the delivery of ecological projects from instruction through to completion.
- Oversee project programming, resource allocation, financial performance and profitability.
- Deliver high-quality technical advice across a broad range of ecological disciplines.
- Review and quality assure ecological reports, assessments and survey work.
- Prepare and oversee Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMP) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
- Provide expert advice on habitats, protected species legislation and planning policy.
- Develop strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
- Prepare competitive fee proposals and contribute to winning new business.
- Work collaboratively alongside planning, rural, development and infrastructure professionals.
- Support the continued development of Natural Capital and wider environmental consultancy services.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest professional standards.
- Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience.
- Car allowance.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing with length of service.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Life Assurance.
- Enhanced Pension Scheme.
- Enhanced Family Leave.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme.
- Travel Insurance.
- Paid Volunteering Day.
- Long Service Awards.
- Ongoing professional development and support towards further accreditations.
- Genuine opportunity to influence and grow an expanding ecology team within a nationally recognised multidisciplinary consultancy.