Principal Ecologist

Are you passionate about shaping the future of the UK’s natural environment? We’re representing a leading infrastructure delivery partner, working on one of the UK’s most ambitious and high-profile projects. This is your chance to drive ecological excellence at scale - influencing biodiversity outcomes and helping to deliver a sustainable legacy for generations to come.

The Impact You’ll Make

• Shape the design and delivery of ecological solutions that contribute directly to achieving No Net Loss of Biodiversity.
• Lead the integration of habitat creation, enhancement, and protected species mitigation into one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure programmes.
• Influence key stakeholders - from environmental regulators to engineers - to ensure biodiversity remains at the heart of every decision.
• Drive innovation by blending ecological science with large-scale civil engineering, solving complex environmental challenges along the way.
• Leave a lasting legacy by helping to deliver a nationally significant “Green Corridor” that restores, protects, and enhances the natural environment.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead ecological excellence - shape and assure innovative design solutions that meet the highest environmental standards and industry best practice.
• Drive biodiversity outcomes - oversee habitat creation, enhancement strategies, and protected species mitigation to maximise environmental gains.
• Collaborate across disciplines - work hand-in-hand with engineers, landscape designers, and construction teams to embed ecology seamlessly into project delivery.
• Champion data-driven decisions - monitor ecological performance, adapt strategies based on evidence, and deliver continuous improvements across the programme.
• Take ownership of delivery - manage ecological work packages, tackle challenges head-on, and ensure milestones are achieved without compromising quality.

About You

• Experience in ecological design, mitigation, and enhancement within major construction or infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation, standards, and best practice guidance.
• Proven ability to manage complex ecological programmes and engage confidently with stakeholders.
• CIEEM membership (or eligible), ideally holding protected species licences.
• Skilled communicator with a proactive, solutions-driven mindset.

This is a rare opportunity to make a measurable impact on biodiversity at a truly transformative scale. If you’re ready to take the lead in shaping a greener future, we’d love to hear from you.

Vacancy Reference: PR/(phone number removed)
Vacancy Owner: Fraser Mclachlan | (url removed) | (+44) (phone number removed) | (+44) (phone number removed)