10 jobs found

Bennett and Game are representing a leading Manchester-based environmental consultancy currently seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their expanding team. With a current headcount of 25 and a turnover on track to grow from £2 million to £3 million in the next 12 months, the business is in a strong phase of strategic growth underpinned by a varied, design-led project pipeline. This is an opportunity to work with purpose, delivering practical, sustainable solutions that help clients balance development with meaningful ecological value. Our client operates across ecology, arboriculture, and green infrastructure, supporting projects nationwide in the residential, commercial, education, and infrastructure sectors. The role will see you take a lead on project delivery, mentor junior team members, and help shape the future of the ecology discipline during this exciting growth phase. The business fosters a collaborative, low-hierarchy culture, with genuine opportunities for tailored career progression and innovation at every level. Principal Ecologist Salary & Benefits Salary range: £45,000 - £50,000, dependent on experience and licensing 24 days holiday (plus bank holidays), rising to 30 with long service Hybrid working - flexible arrangements dependent on project demands 5% employer pension contribution Paid professional subscription (1 per year) Access to company fleet vehicles for site travel Cycle to Work Scheme and Techscheme Eyecare scheme Season ticket cash advance available 1 volunteering day per year Regular staff events and a collaborative, low-hierarchy team culture Principal Ecologist Job Overview Lead and manage multiple ecology projects from inception through to final delivery Conduct site-based habitat and protected species surveys, with particular emphasis on bats, GCN, and Phase 1/UKHab Take ownership of technical report writing, EcIA delivery, EPS licensing, and biodiversity net gain assessments Mentor and support junior ecologists, offering guidance, technical checks, and development planning Act as point of contact for clients, consultants, and planning authorities Oversee health and safety compliance, fieldwork logistics, and seasonal team resourcing Play a key role in team development and supporting the wider ecology business plan Principal Ecologist Job Requirements Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or any related subject Minimum 3-5 years' consultancy experience Full Member of CIEEM (essential) Deep understanding of UK/EC wildlife legislation and planning policy Demonstrable project management skills, including commercial oversight and delivery against deadlines Strong written and verbal communication skills Experience preparing EPSL documents, BNG assessments, and EcIAs Licences for bats and/or great crested newts (desirable) HRA, GIS capability, or FISC Level 3+ qualifications are advantageous Full UK driving licence If you're looking to take the next step in your ecology career with a purpose-driven consultancy that values both people and the planet, we'd love to hear from you. Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries. We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for. JBRP1_UKTJ

Overview Job Title: Senior / Principal Ecologist Salary: £40,000 to £50,000 (dependent on experience) Location: UK - Various locations Type: Permanent Hybrid / flexible working About the Role: Our client is looking for an experienced Senior / Principal Ecologist to join their established and growing ecology team, supporting a wide range of projects across development, infrastructure and nature recovery. You'll work both independently and collaboratively, acting as an ecology lead on projects and contributing to high-quality ecological assessments, habitat design, mitigation strategies and stakeholder engagement. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, technical delivery, leadership, and helping shape nature-positive outcomes from the earliest project stages. About the client: Our client is a well-established organisation delivering work across major infrastructure, development and environmental projects across the UK. They are known for their collaborative culture, flexible working approach, and commitment to supporting staff wellbeing and professional development. Their ecology function is highly respected and works closely with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure ecology is embedded early in project planning and delivery. Responsibilities Undertake ecological assessment and habitat design for a variety of development and nature recovery projects Develop innovative and pragmatic approaches to ecological mitigation and compensation Work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams and engage with stakeholders / clients Deliver clear, concise and high-quality ecological outputs in line with current guidance and best practice Quality assurance of ecological deliverables Act as ecology lead on projects Task and project management Mentor and support junior staff Line management responsibilities (where applicable) What Our Client is Looking For A passion for ecology and the natural environment Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and policy Ability to undertake: UKHab surveys Preliminary Ecological Assessments (PEA) Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments Strong report writing skills and attention to detail Strong botanical skills, including FISC Level 3+ (or demonstrable equivalent) Experience in protected species surveys, mitigation and licensing Understanding of the importance of work winning through bidding and building strong client relationships Ability to manage ecology deliverables and projects from bid through to completion Membership of CIEEM (or equivalent) Chartered status (CEnv / CEcol) or the ability to achieve Chartership Full UK driving licence What Our Client Offers Salary of £40,000 to £50,000 depending on experience Hybrid and flexible working options A supportive, inclusive team culture Strong focus on wellbeing and work-life balance Ongoing training and professional development Clear progression opportunities The chance to work on high-profile, meaningful projects across the UK Eligibility This role may require UK security clearance Candidates may need to demonstrate 5+ years UK residency, depending on project requirements Right to work in the UK is required Opportunity for Growth This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly respected ecology team with clear progression routes into senior leadership, technical specialism, or project leadership. You'll be supported through professional development and mentoring, with the chance to work on projects that make a measurable difference to the natural environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Our Vacancy# Principal Ecologist Cross sector Permanent / London United Kingdom 13/02/26 On site ShareAs global challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development intensify, the role of ecological expertise has never been more critical. Our growing ecology practice is at the forefront of delivering practical solutions that promote environmental resilience, biodiversity conservation, and responsible land use. We support a wide range of projects-from infrastructure development and renewable energy to habitat restoration and environmental planning-by integrating ecological principles into every phase of design and decision-making. Our team of ecologists work closely with clients, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that development and conservation go hand in hand. With a strong focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and long-term ecological health, we are committed to advancing a more sustainable and nature-positive future.Assystem is a global engineering and digital services company that plays a key role in large infrastructure projects, especially those related to complex, highly regulated industries. In the infrastructure sector , Assystem works across various domains to support the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of critical infrastructure. Job Description Assystem UK , you will step into a senior leadership role within our Ecology Consultancy team, influencing projects from early planning through to construction and operation while driving the growth and performance of the ecology practice itself. The Role As a Principal Ecologist, you will provide senior technical leadership, quality assurance and trusted client advice across complex, multidisciplinary project environments. You will work closely with clients, principal contractors and engineering teams, often embedded within live delivery settings where sound judgement, commercial awareness and clear direction are essential.You will ensure ecological risks are managed effectively, standards remain high and projects are delivered successfully both technically and commercially. Beyond project oversight, you will lead people, shape strategy and champion best practice across the ecology discipline. What You Will Be Doing: Team and Practice Leadership Lead, mentor and manage a team of ecologists across senior, mid-level and junior grades Align team resourcing with project demands, managing workloads and supporting recruitment where needed Promote best practice in ecology, health and safety, quality assurance and legislative compliance Drive continuous improvement and technical excellence across the ecology practice Project Oversight and Technical Direction Oversee ecological delivery across housing, infrastructure, renewables and energy projects Provide strategic ecological direction through planning, consenting and construction phases Lead and quality assure surveys, assessments, mitigation strategies and technical reports Provide high-level technical review of EIAs, HRAs, mitigation strategies and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments Oversee construction-phase compliance with wildlife legislation, licence conditions and mitigation commitments Lead protected species mitigation strategies and EPS licence preparation and delivery Investigate ecological incidents and implement proactive portfolio-wide risk management measures Strategic and Commercial Management Develop and implement growth plans aligned with wider business objectives Lead or support tenders, fee proposals, client presentations and framework bids Monitor project profitability, resource forecasts and overall performance of the ecology portfolio Ensure robust QA processes and effective risk management systems are embedded across projects Stakeholder and Client Engagement Act as a senior point of contact for clients, regulators, collaborators and partners Build and maintain strong professional networks to support business development Represent the ecology discipline internally and externally at industry events and forums Provide confident leadership within multidisciplinary coordination and client environments What You Will Bring You will hold a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline, supported by significant experience in applied ecological consultancy and leadership of complex infrastructure projects. You will also bring: Two European Protected Species licences Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and best practice including EIA, HRA and BNG Extensive experience managing teams, budgets and multidisciplinary project delivery Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, with Full Membership required if not already held Proven ability to deliver strategic, proportionate ecological solutions within complex live environments Excellent report writing, review and quality assurance capability Strong commercial awareness, business planning insight and client engagement skills A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites Desirable Experience A Full or Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management Highly experienced in Ecological Clerk of Works duties and construction-phase leadership on major infrastructure schemes Experienced in Biodiversity Net Gain strategy and planning tools such as UKHab An established line manager and mentor within consultancy environmentsIf you are looking for a leadership role where you can influence strategy, grow a high-performing team and shape the ecological direction of nationally significant projects, this is your opportunity to make a lasting and visible impact. Additional Experience That Would Strengthen Your Application Hands-on experience delivering protected species mitigation Involvement in large-scale infrastructure schemes, such as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects Working knowledge of digital ecology tools, including GIS platforms and the Biodiversity Net Gain Metric What You Can Expect A senior leadership position within a well-established and expanding environmental practice A supportive and collaborative team culture Hybrid and flexible working arrangements Clear career progression pathways, dedicated training budgets and ongoing professional development supportWe are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people's ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.

Senior/Principal Ecologist page is loaded Senior/Principal Ecologistlocations: GB.Cambridge.Wellbrook Court: GB.Peterborough.Western Housetime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R-149071 Job Description Overview Shape the future of our cities and environments. Join our organisation, where we have a huge variety of projects on-the-go at any one time. So when you start this role with us, it could take your career wherever your interests lie. You'll find everyone here is willing to pitch in and help because we all want you to succeed, and we're ready to help you grow.When it comes to living your life, we want you to get the most out of it. So talk to us about all our flexible and remote working policies that can support your personal priorities. Also, ask us about some of our recent pledges for Women's Equality, as well as being a 'Disability Confident' and 'Inclusive Employer.' Our ecology team truly strives to make a positive difference to the natural environment, by working closely with other disciplines across our business to engage in projects from the outset, ensuring ecology is considered at the earliest possible stage. This collaborative working helps to drive forward nature positive schemes that we are proud of. Our award-winning team of over 130 ecologists (including the President of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and three CIEEM Fellows) work across a range of exciting habitat creation, research, development and major infrastructure projects; we also design new innovations and help inform policy. At AtkinsRéalis our people are the foundation of our business and that's why we put our people first. With this in mind, we provide an incredibly flexible and inclusive working environment with staff wellbeing being front and centre of all of our decisions. We also understand that not everyone chooses to take the university route in terms of education - we are open to taking on ecologists without a degree and we are working closely with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) to make entry into the environmental industry more inclusive for all. For us, it is the experience, knowledge and, above all, your ability to fit in well with our existing team of ecologists, that really matters. Your role Working individually but also, collaboratively, in a team environment. Undertaking ecological assessment and habitat design for a variety of development and nature recovery projects. Developing innovative and pragmatic approaches to ecological mitigation and compensation. Collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams and engaging with stakeholders / clients. Delivering clear and concise, high quality ecological deliverables in line with current guidance and good practice. Acting as ecology lead on projects. Task / project management. About you A passion for ecology. A good working knowledge of the natural environment and wildlife legislation. The ability to undertake UKHab surveys, Preliminary Ecological Assessment, Ecological Impact Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. Good report writing skills. Strong botanical skills, including Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) level 3+, or demonstrable botanical ability matching this level. Experience in protected species survey, mitigation and licensing. An understanding of the importance of work winning, through both bidding and maintaining strong client relationships. The ability to manage ecology deliverables / projects from bidding through to completion. Membership of CIEEM or equivalent. Full driving licence. Reward & benefitsExplore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive - at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life. About AtkinsRéalisWe're , a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people. Additional information Security clearance This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. Worker Type Employee Job Type Regular At AtkinsRéalis , we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.