About the role
Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with a highly regarded ecological consultancy looking to appoint a Principal Ecologist to its established Oxfordshire team.
This is a particularly strong opportunity for an experienced ecologist who values technical excellence and wants to work alongside other highly knowledgeable ecologists. The team is well known within the industry for its technical expertise, providing the opportunity to contribute your own knowledge while continuing to learn from specialists around you.
You will work on a varied portfolio of challenging projects across the UK, including housing, renewable energy, retail and employment development, as part of an experienced terrestrial ecology team.
The role
This is a hands-on Principal position combining technical ecology with project management, client relationships and mentoring.
You will be responsible for:
Designing and leading terrestrial ecology surveys and site work
Producing and reviewing high-quality technical reports
Providing technical sign-off, feedback and coaching to other ecologists
Independently managing ecology projects
Preparing fee proposals, project scopes, programmes and budgets
Managing client and stakeholder relationships
Supporting and mentoring ecologists within the team
Contributing to business development and existing client relationships
Working with senior management to help develop the ecology team and its technical offering
You will remain closely involved in technical ecology rather than moving into a predominantly managerial role.
What we're looking for
You will ideally have at least four years' relevant professional experience within ecological consultancy or a closely related field, together with a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification.
You should bring strong experience in areas including UKHab or Phase 1 habitat surveys, botanical and faunal identification, protected species surveys, mitigation and licensing.
You will also need experience producing and reviewing reports such as PEAs, EcIAs, BNG assessments and protected species reports, together with project management and client liaison experience.
At least one protected species survey licence is required, alongside Full CIEEM membership or eligibility to obtain it.
Experience with NVC, MoRPh, protected species development licence applications or Public Inquiry work would be advantageous.
Why consider this opportunity?
One of the strongest reasons to consider this role is the technical environment you will be joining.
At Principal level, it can sometimes become harder to find roles where you are still surrounded by people you can learn from. Here, you will become part of an experienced team with considerable ecological knowledge, where technical quality is taken seriously and there are other strong ecologists to exchange ideas with, learn from and collaborate alongside.
The team advises high-profile public and private sector clients on projects nationwide, with a particular focus on integrating ecological habitats and wildlife benefits into new developments.
There is also a clear progression route towards Associate Ecologist, where you can take responsibility for a larger team and more complex project portfolio while continuing to build your technical and commercial expertise.
Flexible ways of working are supported, with an emphasis on giving people the balance they need to perform at their best.
If you are an experienced ecologist looking for a technically strong team, excellent people to learn from and genuine progression without losing touch with ecology, this is well worth exploring.
Interested? Apply through Environment.jobs or contact Lauren Whinton at Ocean to Earth Recruitment for a confidential conversation.
Ocean to Earth Recruitment | Elevating Green Growth