Hays
Principal/Associate Ecologist
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My client is a highly respected multidisciplinary consultancy specialising in planning, ecology, geology and environmental services across the UK. Known for providing commercially focused, pragmatic advice, they support a diverse range of development projects spanning residential, commercial, minerals, waste, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.
Working collaboratively across disciplines, they help clients navigate complex planning and environmental challenges while delivering positive outcomes for biodiversity and sustainable development.
Due to continued growth, particularly across residential development and quarrying projects, they are looking to appoint a Principal or Associate Ecologist to provide technical leadership and help shape the future growth of their ecology team.
Your new role
This is a senior position focused on technical leadership, project delivery, quality assurance and team development rather than being heavily survey-led.
The team has a strong and growing pipeline of residential work and an established portfolio of quarrying, minerals and wider development projects. As a result, they are seeking an experienced ecologist who can provide robust ecological advice throughout the planning and construction process, oversee project delivery and support the continued development of both clients and colleagues.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Providing technical oversight and quality assurance across ecological projects.
- Reviewing and approving Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, management plans and supporting technical reports.
- Advising clients on ecological constraints, mitigation requirements and planning strategy.
- Supporting projects through planning, design, construction and post-consent stages.
- Managing project budgets, programmes and resource allocation.
- Acting as a senior technical adviser to clients, planners and project teams.
- Mentoring and developing junior and mid-level ecologists.
- Working collaboratively with planners, geologists and other environmental specialists.
- Supporting business development activities and identifying opportunities for growth.
- Contributing to the strategic development of an expanding ecology team.
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Whilst opportunities to remain involved in field ecology exist, this role is intended to focus primarily on project management, peer review, technical sign-off and team leadership. It would suit somebody looking to utilise their ecological expertise to guide projects and people rather than spending the majority of their time undertaking surveys.
What you'll need to succeed
Significant experience within ecological consultancy.
Strong understanding of ecology within the planning and development process.
Experience advising clients on ecological constraints, mitigation and planning requirements.
Excellent knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and Biodiversity Net Gain.
Strong project management and client management skills.
Experience undertaking technical review and quality assurance of ecological reports.
Experience mentoring, supervising or developing ecologists.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Membership of CIEEM, ideally Chartered or working towards Chartership.
A full UK driving licence.
Desirable:
- Protected species licences.
- Advanced botanical survey experience and FISC qualification.
- QGIS experience.
- Previous team management experience.
The business is particularly interested in candidates with the experience and confidence to provide ecological advice, manage projects and support team development. Whilst botanical expertise and species licences are welcome, they are not considered essential for success in this role.
What you'll get in return
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- Competitive salary commensurate with experience: £50,000 - £65,000 - with an annual salary review.
- Car allowance and mileage paid for site work.
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + Christmas office closure.
- Discretionary bonus scheme.
- Hybrid working as standard, with 2-3 days per week in the office ideally suited to the team environment.
- Flexible working hours, with team members commonly working between 8am and 6pm depending on personal commitments and project requirements.
- Freedom to adjust working patterns around appointments and personal responsibilities, promoting a genuine work-life balance.
- Full home-working equipment provided, including monitors, keyboards and other office peripherals where required.
- Consideration for part-time applicants, including those seeking a 3 or 4-day working week.
- Reduced expectations for extensive field surveying, enabling greater focus on technical leadership and project delivery.
- CIEEM or other professional membership paid each year.
- Private healthcare scheme.
- Enhanced pension options on whole salary and car allowance.
- Expenses paid quickly for any costs associated with work.
- TOIL scheme.
- Training including in house and external training as appropriate.
- A collaborative, supportive and down-to-earth culture that values flexibility, trust and professional development.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
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