Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

Banbury, Oxfordshire - Hybrid Working

£46,500 - £50,000 + Excellent Benefits

Bennett & Game Recruitment are pleased to be working with a leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to join their growing terrestrial ecology team based in Banbury.

The successful candidate will lead and deliver a varied portfolio of ecological projects across the residential, commercial, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. The position combines technical project delivery, fieldwork, client management and team development, offering the opportunity to play an influential role within an established and expanding consultancy.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist seeking greater responsibility, varied project exposure and genuine long-term career progression within a flexible and supportive working environment.

Principal Ecologist Salary & Benefits

Salary of £46,500 - £50,000, depending on experience
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
33 days annual leave, including bank holidays
One additional day of annual leave for every three years of service, up to five additional days
Option to carry forward up to five days of annual leave
Option to buy or sell up to five days of annual leave per year
6% matched pension contributions at Principal level
Private medical insurance following successful completion of probation
Income protection covering 75% of salary following a qualifying period
Life assurance of four times annual salary
Enhanced company sick pay
One paid volunteering day per year
One professional membership paid annually
Cycle to Work Scheme up to the value of £3,000
Comprehensive training and professional development
Supportive social, wellbeing and employee network groups
Excellent opportunities for progression within a growing environmental consultancyPrincipal Ecologist Job Overview

Lead and manage a diverse range of terrestrial ecology projects from initial enquiry through to completion
Prepare fee proposals, project scopes, budgets and delivery programmes
Plan and oversee ecological field surveys and survey teams
Undertake and review UK Habitat Classification and Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
Manage protected species surveys, mitigation strategies and licensing work
Analyse ecological data and provide technically robust advice to clients
Produce and review high-quality technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and protected species reports
Proofread and provide technical oversight of reports produced by other members of the team
Manage project budgets, timescales and resources
Liaise directly with clients, planning authorities, statutory bodies and other project stakeholders
Support, mentor and develop junior and intermediate members of the ecology team
Work collaboratively with specialists across a range of environmental disciplines
Contribute to the continued development and growth of the ecology team
Undertake occasional travel across the UK, including overnight stays where requiredPrincipal Ecologist Job Requirements

Degree or postgraduate qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline
Minimum of four years' relevant professional experience within ecological consultancy, the public sector, a conservation organisation or a closely related environment
Strong knowledge of UK habitats, botanical identification and protected species
Extensive experience undertaking Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and/or UK Habitat Classification Surveys
Comprehensive experience undertaking protected species surveys
Experience developing and implementing protected species mitigation strategies
Holder of at least one protected species survey licence
Strong experience producing ecological reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and protected species reports
Ability to review and proofread technical work produced by colleagues
Previous project management experience including responsibility for budgets, programmes and resources
Experience leading, mentoring or supporting junior members of staff
Strong client management and stakeholder communication skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects
Willingness to travel across the UK when required
Full UK driving licenceBennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

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