Job Description

Principal Ecologist

Location: Birmingham / Hybrid

Benefits

• Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 dependent on level of experience plus pack including;
• 28 days paid annual leave including statutory bank holidays;
• Contributory pension scheme;
• Life assurance;
• Private Medical Cover;
• Health Cash Plan;
• Company Van / Fuel Card;
• Sick Pay;

Summary

A multi-disciplinary service provider for the rail and construction sectors with an award-winning reputation for developing solutions to improve safety and productivity is looking to expand their ecology team with an experienced and highly motivated Principal Ecologist to help manage and grow their Ecological Services department to provide a wide range of services to new and existing clients.

As the Principal Ecologist, you will be responsible for leading and managing ecological projects from start to finish. You will be expected to use your expertise in ecology to ensure that projects are delivered to the highest standard and within budget and time constraints.

You will lead, recruit, and develop the Ecological services that support the Arboriculture team and the wider business to maximise sales and profitability within the area of responsibility through delivering excellent customer service, visual excellence, sound commercial decisions and effective cost control. You will recruit, develop, coach, build and lead a new team chosen by yourself to consistently deliver company expectations and service standards with safety and quality at the heart of everything we do.

Responsibilities

The role of Principal Ecologist will be varied and strike a balance between office-based and site work. You will also have the opportunity to expand your experience by working with our arboriculture technical specialists.

• Leading and managing ecological surveys, assessments, and impact studies in accordance with relevant UK legislation and industry standards.
• Providing expert guidance on ecological considerations during project planning, design, and implementation phases.
• Conducting habitat assessments, biodiversity surveys, and protected species studies to inform project development and environmental impact assessment.
• Analysing ecological data, preparing technical reports, and presenting findings to internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure ecological considerations are integrated into overall project strategies.
• Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists, providing guidance, training, and fostering their professional development.
• Engaging with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to facilitate project approvals and compliance with ecological requirements.
• Staying updated with industry trends, best practices, and changes in environmental legislation to ensure the company's ecological expertise remains cutting‑edge.
• Developing and implementing operational plans for your area of responsibility.
• Developing productive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Ensuring Health & Safety requirements are met in your area of responsibility.
• Writing, developing and reviewing business processes for your area of responsibility.
• Providing leadership in your area of responsibility.
• Ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
• Leading, planning and implementing change in your area of responsibility.
• Working with the Talent team to recruit, select and coach your team in order to retain colleagues of the highest standard.
• Allocating and monitoring the progress and quality of work in your area of responsibility.
• Working with HR to reduce and manage any conflict in your team.
• Managing finance for your area of responsibility, including supporting the setting of annual budgets, managing costs and working with commercial team on pricing of new projects.
• Overseeing the management of physical resources required by your department to ensure your team has the right equipment maintained to the highest standard.

Qualifications

• Experience of working as a Senior / Principal Ecologist within the Construction or Rail Sector.
• A degree in ecology.
• A relevant Bat License.
• A relevant Dormouse License.
• Full UK driving license.
• Proven experience in watching briefs.
• A strong understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and policy.
• Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Contact

Get in touch now for further information or to apply.