Principal / Associate Ecologist

land use; London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job description

LUC’s ecology team is passionate about creating opportunities for wildlife and people to thrive together.

With established teams in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, we support a huge range of projects, at local and national levels. We’re enthusiastic about finding new ways to apply emerging ecological principles and methods to the most challenging of policy and development projects, and we have fun working together along the way.

In 2025 we will continue to support some of the most exciting projects in UK consultancy. Working alongside colleagues and partners, we will apply our skills to projects ranging from energy generation to historic building restoration, regenerative agriculture to strategic biodiversity enhancement plans. We will explore habitats from the Scottish and Welsh uplands to central London. We will search for protected species ranging from bats to badger, water vole, dormouse and otter.

This is also an opportunity to work for a sincere, employee-owned company with strong values and a particular focus on addressing the biodiversity and climate emergencies.

The Principal / Associate Ecological Consultant will be part of our London team, helping to grow and deliver our exciting and rewarding orderbook.

The role will include being actively involved in:

• Overseeing the preparation of tender responses and fee proposals.
• Designing, overseeing and delivering the implementation of ecological surveys.
• Managing projects in line with LUC’s internal Project Management System.
• Engaging with project clients and their stakeholders.
• Analysing and interpreting ecological data.
• Preparing and reviewing consultancy reports.
• Line managing junior colleagues.
• Managing client and leading business development activity.

This role would suit an experienced and well-established ecologist ready to take the next step in their career, in a science-led team.

A full-time role is based on 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). However, LUC has a strong track record in flexible working and we have been recognised for our flexible working culture, so we are happy to discuss a range of flexible working options for this role, including part time hours (minimum 30 hours per week), if desired. LUC’s hybrid working policy which balances both home and office working, would apply to the role.

Salary: £39,000-£56,000 FTE (including London Allowance and depending on experience)

This is a great time to be joining LUC. Since its creation nearly 60 years ago, LUC has been driven by the belief that planning has a critical role to play in shaping the world around us for the better. LUC is playing its part in responding to the twin climate and biodiversity crises; our work has never been more critical or urgent.

Experience and qualifications:

The successful candidate will complement and strengthen our existing dedicated ecology team. You will share our commitment to a high quality science led approach and be motivated to grow and share your passion and skills.

• Robust understanding of wildlife in the UK, gained through further / higher education or practical experience.
• Robust understanding of UK nature conservation legislation and policy.
• An understanding of the development management process in England and Wales.
• Strong field survey skills including wide ranging experience in habitat and protected species survey, including survey design, data management and analysis.
• A good working knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain and its application within the planning process.
• Experience in the preparation and review of ecological consultancy reports, including preliminary ecological appraisals, protected species survey reports and Ecological Impact Assessment.
• Experience of engaging with commercial clients and their stakeholders.
• Experience of line management responsibilities and a desire to share skills and mentor less experienced colleagues.
• Full UK driving licence.
• A willingness to balance office work with field work across the UK, with occasional trips away from home (all costs and expenses covered by LUC) to oversee field work. A large proportion of the London teams orderbook is within the south-east, however there are opportunities to travel further afield as part of this role.
• Willingness to work some antisocial hours, particularly during the bat survey season when night shift work will be necessary.
• Protected species class licences (a bat class licence is of particular interest)
• Experience of Habitats Regulations Assessment.
• Experience of EIA and preparation of Ecology ES Chapters.
• Experience of providing support at hearings, examination in public and planning appeals.
• An understanding of renewable energy consenting mechanisms.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Please apply by uploading your CV and covering letter via the above link.

LUC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. We value the differences, needs and contributions a diverse workforce represents, and we strive to embed equality, diversity and inclusion in all our people related activities.

Location: London

Salary: £39,000-£56,000 FTE (including London Allowance and depending on experience)