Job Description
Principal Ecologist - Cambridge
A leading UK environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their Cambridge-based team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking ecologist to take the next step in their career within a supportive and well-established consultancy, which forms part of a larger global environmental and engineering group.
Benefits;
- Competitive salary aligned with experience and market rates
- Flexible/hybrid working to support work-life balance
- Exciting, high-profile projects across infrastructure, renewables, water, and built environment sectors
- Clear progression pathways and structured career development
- Collaborative, inclusive team culture with access to technical experts across disciplines
- Comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension, and generous leave policies
- Strong commitment to sustainability and biodiversity net gain
The Role;
The Principal Ecologist will lead on a diverse portfolio of projects, provide technical oversight, and mentor a growing team of ecologists. The role includes project management, client engagement, high-level ecological assessment and reporting, and input into multi-disciplinary design and planning teams.
Key responsibilities include;
- Leading and delivering ecological inputs on a range of projects from concept to completion
- Designing and overseeing ecological surveys and assessments (including EIA and HRA)
- Providing technical review and quality assurance of reports
- Managing client relationships and contributing to business development
- Supporting the development and mentoring of junior ecologists
- Ensuring work is delivered in line with current legislation, best practice, and client expectations
You will ideally have;
- Significant experience in ecological consultancy or a similar role
- Strong understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and planning policy
- Proven experience managing ecological aspects of complex projects
- Expertise in one or more specialist areas (e.g. bats, great crested newts, ornithology, botany)
- Full member of CIEEM (or eligible)
- Project management and client-facing experience
- Protected species licences (desirable)
- Full UK driving licence
Interested in this opportunity? Please apply today or contact Ashleigh Garner at Penguin Recruitment.
