The Construction Index Ltd
Principal Ecologist
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Salary: £55,000 - £70,000 per annum + hybrid/flexible working, enhanced leave
Type: Full Time
Region: UK - Yorkshire & Humberside
Town/City: York, North Yorkshire
Posted: 16/07/2026
Reference: 1353471_1784200923
APPLY Job Description
Principal Ecologist
Location
York, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh
Salary
£55,000 - £70,000
Employment Type
Permanent, full-time or part-time
Job Overview
A permanent opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological commissions across energy infrastructure and residential development projects. Based from one of several regional offices with hybrid working and travel across northern England, the position suits an experienced ecological consultant with strong technical, project management, and mentoring capabilities.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead ecological commissions from inception through completion
- Manage EcIA, HRA, and BNG projects
- Review reports and maintain technical quality
- Mentor ecologists and support consistent standards
- Manage clients, budgets, resources, and programmes
You will contribute to bids and tenders, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and represent the practice at relevant industry events. The position combines technical delivery with responsibility for developing ecology services and supporting future team growth.
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Skills & Experience Required
- Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or equivalent
- Significant ecological consultancy experience
- Strong EcIA, HRA, and BNG expertise
- Proven project and budget management experience
- CIEEM membership or equivalent professional membership
You must demonstrate excellent technical reporting and review skills, alongside detailed knowledge of UK planning policy, ecological legislation, and best practice. A full UK driving license is required for travel between offices and project sites.
Protected species licensing, major infrastructure, NSIP, mentoring, or line management experience would be beneficial. Applicants should be comfortable maintaining client relationships while working collaboratively across environmental and development disciplines.
Salary & Benefits
- £55,000 - £70,000
- Hybrid working and flexible full-time or part-time arrangements
- Benefits include enhanced leave, pension contributions, death in service cover, protected CPD, professional membership support, private medical insurance, wellbeing support, cycle-to-work provision, and a non-contractual growth bonus.
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About Hunter Dunning
Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long-term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market. We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety, and wider construction roles.
Apply Section
If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications, so if you do not hear back within 7 days, consider your application unsuccessful this time. We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies. All applications are handled in strict confidence.
Referral Section
Did you know we run a referral scheme? We pay a £1000 referral bonus if you introduce us to anyone we then successfully place in a new job role. Just send us their information, and we'll do the rest. See the website for full terms & conditions.
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