We Are Recruiting: Principal Ecologist

Updated November 2023

We’re currently advertising a new opportunity to join our small, dynamic and expanding environmental consultancy. Our success is founded on the quality and wellbeing of our team, and we are committed to achieving mutual benefits through continuing professional development and positive workplace practices which value individuals.

We work in sectors including residential, commercial, education and renewable energy developments, transport infrastructure and local development planning.

This role presents a fantastic opportunity for a skilled principal ecologist looking for their next challenge…

Principal Ecologist

We provide the full range of ecological services for development and work on an interesting mix of projects, from large-scale residential developments, to renewable energy projects and the restoration of historical monuments. We cover the whole of the South East, but most of our work is in the southern Home Counties – East and West Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire.

Responsibilities for the above role includes day-to-day client liaison, careful project management against time and budgets, undertaking field surveys, producing high-quality reports and providing support to more junior members of staff.

What we’re looking for:

Degree or equivalent in ecology or related discipline
Strong experience in conducting habitat surveys and protected species surveys
Ability to produce high quality technical outputs, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species survey reports, mitigation plans etc
Great verbal and written communication skills
Natural England survey licence for at least two species/groups
Valid UK driving licence and access to own car

Further desirable skills include:

Experience in obtaining European Protected Species Mitigation licences
Drafting or contributing to Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments
Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain and experience of assessments using the Defra metric
Working with other environmental disciplines

In return, we can offer:

Competitive salary (commensurate with experience) plus starting bonus for direct applications
Flexible working and 31 days annual leave
Your birthday off in addition
Optional private health care and mental health first aider on staff
Paid CIEEM membership and dedicated personal development budget
Established TOIL system
Contributory pension scheme

Role: Principal Ecologist (ideally full time, but we’re flexible)

Base location: Brighton, but we offer flexible working arrangements

Salary range: £40k and up; commensurate with experience