Overview

Principal Ecologist Location: Brighton (with flexible working options) Salary: £43,000+ DOE. A progressive and growing environmental consultancy is seeking a highly skilled Principal Ecologist to take a leading role within its team. The consultancy delivers expert ecological services across a variety of sectors including residential, commercial, renewable energy, and heritage projects. This position offers the chance to oversee and shape high-profile projects throughout the South East, with a focus on East and West Sussex, Kent, Surrey, and Hampshire.

Benefits

• Competitive salary tailored to experience, plus a starting bonus for direct applications
• Flexible working arrangements and 31 days annual leave, with your birthday off
• Paid CIEEM membership and a dedicated professional development budget
• Optional private healthcare and access to an in-house mental health first aider
• Contributory pension and established TOIL system
• Positive and inclusive team culture that values collaboration, wellbeing, and professional growth

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ecological projects from initial survey design to final reporting, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species surveys, and mitigation strategies
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, offering expert ecological guidance
• Conduct field surveys and produce detailed technical outputs
• Mentor and support junior ecologists, fostering knowledge-sharing and skill development
• Contribute to Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, and Biodiversity Net Gain evaluations

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Degree or equivalent in Ecology or related discipline
• Strong experience conducting habitat and protected species surveys
• Natural England survey licences for at least one species/group
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid UK driving licence and access to own car
• Desirable: experience obtaining European Protected Species Mitigation licences, working with other environmental disciplines, and using Defra's Biodiversity Metric