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Principal Ecologist
Principal Ecologist – Ecology & Environmental Consultancy
Arcadis
About Arcadis
Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. With over 36,000 employees across 70+ countries, we’re dedicated to improving quality of life through collaborative innovation. Our mission is to solve the world’s most complex challenges, from climate change to urbanisation, while empowering future generations.
As a multi-disciplinary global leader, we cover ecological surveys, biodiversity assessments, natural capital strategies, sustainable drainage, arboriculture, and heritage conservation. With 2,000+ projects commissioned worldwide, our teams collaborate with public sector clients (e.g., Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, Natural Resources Wales) and private enterprises (e.g., EDF Energy, Transport for London, Network Rail, Housing Associations, and Local Authorities).
The Role
Position Overview
You’ll join Arcadis’ Environmental team, advancing ecological expertise and sustainability initiatives across UK and international projects. From greenfield development to infrastructure schemes (highways, rail, power plants, and water management), your role requires technical leadership, client engagement, and project delivery.
As part of a community-driven approach, you’ll collaborate with Arcadis’ Natural Capital Community of Practice, while tackling urgent global issues—flooding, biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation.
Key Responsibilities
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Technical & Project Leadership
- Lead and deliver high-profile projects in urban ecology, rapid urbanisation, environmental impact assessments, and compliance strategies
- Take ownership of complex ecological challenges, from Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs)
- Contribute to regulatory processes including ES&H impact assessments for international clients
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Enhance client relationships by ensuring delivary exceeds expectations through technical expertise and strategic problem-solving -Engage with public and private sector stakeholders, including Welsh Government, Environmental Agencies, and housing authorities
Team Leadership & Development
- Mentor and develop junior ecologists, guiding career progression under Arcadis’ structured mentorship program
- Collaborate with Chartered Environmentalists and CIEEM credentials holders
About You
Required Qualifications & Experience
✔ In-depth ecological discipline expertise, including:
- Ecological impact assessment (EcIAs) and Environmental Statements (ES)*
- Licensed wildlife surveys (protected species, habitat mapping, imaging strategies)
- Ecological water management and biodiversity mitigation strategies
✔ Project leadership experience proven by:
- Successful delivery of Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
- Role in writing/consulting on Consented Environmental Impact Assessments
- Demonstrable track record in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments*
- Chartered Ecologist (CEnv) / Chartered Environmentalist (CEng) membership (or approaching)
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✔ Commercial awareness:
- Bid writing and client relationship management)* **Ability to support mentorship programs
✔ Technical competencies:
- Recognised Environmental and Freshwater permit licenses
- Biosecurity, duty of care, and health and safety compliance knowledge
What Makes a Great Candidate
- Curiosity and passion for long-term environmental solutions
- Flexibility and readiness to travel for fieldwork and client meetings
- Adaptability to rapid industry changes and unified sustainability goals
Why Join Arcadis?
Meaningful Impact & Career Growth
- Shape your career in sustainability consulting with global recognition
- Influence national and international projects that reduce ecological disruption
- Skills-based framework empowers self-direction and cross-disciplinary exposure
Empowered Work Culture
✅ Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I): Six dedicated workstreams (Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+, Race) driving a belonging mindset ✅ Personal development: Mentorship and learning opportunities from industry technical leaders ✅ Default flexibility for hybrid work, aligning with the global imperative for resilient environmental practices
Join Arcadis – Create Your Legacy
#EcologyDecember
Minimum criteria; advanced certification (e.g., expertise in ecological planning principles, ISO14001 standards, sustainability reporting) are advantageous for senior roles.
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