Principal Ecologist

This range is provided by Greenwillows Associates Ltd. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Salary offered is up to £55,000 FTE per annum depending on level of experience.

CIPD Human Resources Consultant/fractional HR Manager, Recruiter, Start/Scale up, Business Partner, Strategy Employee Relations, Career Coach, SME…

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to grow your career in ecological consultancy?

Join our friendly and dynamic team at Greenwillows Associates Ltd and work on a diverse range of projects that make a real impact on nature conservation and development.

Hybrid working available, part time or full time hours, with a focus on projects in the East of England.

As a Principal Ecologist, you will be involved in all aspects of our consultancy work, supporting and leading projects while working closely with our team of ecologists and subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead and manage ecological projects from inception to completion, ensuring high quality delivery and compliance with legislation and best practices.
2. Provide expert ecological advice to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
3. Oversee and undertake protected species and habitat surveys such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Preliminary Roost Appraisals, protected species surveys such as bat, newt, reptile, water vole surveys including survey design, analysis, and reporting.
4. Mentor and support Junior and Senior Ecologists, fostering their professional development.
5. Liaise with regulatory bodies, statutory agencies, and local planning authorities.
6. Contribute to business development, including writing proposals and building client relationships.
7. Design and implement mitigation strategies, including BNG assessments and biodiversity strategies.
8. Undertake regulatory compliance monitoring for relevant licence/permit/ consent/scheme requirements.
9. Act as the lead ecologist on complex projects and support ecological clerk of works (ECoW) services.

Minimum Requirements

1. A minimum of 8 years’ relevant ecological consultancy experience.
2. A BSc, MSc or equivalent qualification in ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
3. Hold a personal survey licence and be competent in the survey of, and mitigation for, at least 2 protected species.
4. Ability to undertake habitat surveys using UKHab and apply the Biodiversity Metric.
5. Strong project and staff management experience.
6. Excellent report-writing skills, including PEARs, EcIAs, EPSL applications, and ecological management plans.
7. Extensive knowledge of UK and European environmental legislation.
8. A proactive and professional approach to work, with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
9. Experience providing final quality assurance on technical reports.
10. Proven botanical skills at FISC Level 4 or above (or willingness to achieve, with company support).
11. Experience delivering Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) services.
12. Full membership of CIEEM.
13. A full UK driving licence and access to transport.

Why Join Us?

1. A flexible and supportive working environment – We pride ourselves on being a family friendly, inclusive business, that places importance on our staff’s wellbeing.
2. Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we remain competitive and offer clear paths for promotion and salary increases based on regular performance reviews.
3. A collaborative and friendly team where your input is valued, and professional growth is encouraged.
4. Annual training budget and CPD opportunities, including paid CIEEM membership and survey licences.
5. Diverse portfolio of work, minimising travel time with a strong local client base.

How to Apply To apply, contact Wendy Marsh with your CV at wendy@greenwillowsassociates.co.uk.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries

Conservation Programs, Environmental Services, and Community Development and Urban Planning