Hays
Senior/Principal Ecologist
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Your new company
My client is a leading environmental consultancy specialising in ecology, arboriculture, and landscape architecture. They operate across the South East, London, and East Anglia and deliver high-quality, evidence-based advice on a wide range of prestigious projects. They adopt a multidisciplinary approach to their work, blending expertise across their fields.
The consultancy is forward-thinking and committed to innovation, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where staff are encouraged to enhance their skills and advance their careers. Their philosophy is built on teamwork, creative problem-solving, and professional growth, offering an engaging workplace where employees can thrive.
Your new role
My client is seeking a proactive and experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist to join their dynamic team.
In this role, leadership in ecology for planning and development is the priority, involving:
- Coordinating ecological surveys, including Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and specialist protected species surveys
- Authoring Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports, and tailoring mitigation strategies for development schemes
- Providing expert guidance on biodiversity management, habitat restoration, and compliance with environmental legislation
- Engaging with clients, local authorities, and statutory consultees, ensuring robust ecologically informed decision-making
- Mentoring junior ecologists and fostering career development within the team
- Leading site visits, stakeholder collaborations, and ensuring alignment with industry best practice and legislative updates
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About the Role
Job Years:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a specified ecologist position (Senior or equivalent).
Key Criteria:
- Strong industry credentials in the UK ecology sector, with in-depth knowledge of:
- Common UK habitat types
- Protected species (e.g. mammals, birds, invertebrates)
- Relevant legislation (e.g. Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, Habitats Regulations)
- Report-writing authority (preparing standalone ecological assessments independently)
- Degree-qualified (BSc or MSc in Ecology, Geography, Environmental Sciences, or related disciplines)
- Membership in professional bodies highly desirable (preference for CIEEM)
- Full UK driving licence with consistent access to transport
Technical Skills Required:
- Excellent project management (balance of conservation and client delivery priorities)
- Strong communication skills for diverse stakeholders
- Clear written and verbal presentation, with report-writing expertise
Benefits & Perks
- Competitive salary: £36,000 – £55,000
- Flexible & hybrid work arrangements (adapting to their agile remotes/remote commitments)
- Holiday entitlement: 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + Christmas closure
- Wellbeing supplements: Holiday sell-back scheme greenlighting
- Employee benefit platform: Perkbox (discounts on tech, health services, lifestyle brands)
- 24/7 Confidential Helpline
- Health & activity benefits: Weekly Pilates sessions, access to an onsite tennis court
- Professional investment: Full funding of one professional membership (CIEEM/AECOM LIC/BES prepaid)
- Employee bonus scheme with performance recognition
- Team culture & socials: Fortnightly gatherings, annual Christmas party, and AGM engagement
- Career development: Access to professional training, regular expedition updates with Reccommend learning
- Project exposure: Craft work on high-profile local/national developments
- Collaborative ethos: Budgetara’s proof of potential—tight-knit team environment with clear career ladders
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Next Steps
If this Senior or Principal Ecologist role aligns with your career ambitions, apply now to submit:
- An updated CV via their application portal, or
- Contact directly for a confidential career discussion
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited(permanent/placement agency) – applies for terms & disclaimers covered in their policies hays.co.uk. Confidentiality protected under UK workplace norms.
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