Principal Ecologist A dynamic and forward-thinking ecological consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to take the lead in establishing a new regional office and building a team. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Senior Ecologist ready to step up, or an experienced Principal Ecologist looking to take ownership of their own region and play a central role in the company s continued growth across England. About the Role This is a strategic leadership position offering significant autonomy and career progression. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting up a new office, recruiting and mentoring a local team, and developing new and existing client relationships in their area. You ll be fully supported by the wider business, with access to resources, technical expertise, and operational backing to help you succeed. This role can be based anywhere in England, with the expectation that you will lead the creation of a local presence in your region. Some travel and occasional overnight stays will be required, but work-life balance remains a core value, with limits in place on time spent away or working unsocial hours. Key Responsibilities Lead and deliver a variety of ecological projects across multiple sectors Establish and grow a new regional office and team Provide technical direction, oversight, and quality assurance on deliverables Recruit, mentor, and develop team members Build and maintain strong client relationships Drive business development and contribute to company growth Ensure high standards of quality, compliance, and professionalism Essential Skills & Experience Proven experience in team leadership or mentoring within ecological consultancy Strong technical expertise across habitat or protected species survey work Excellent communication and project management skills Confidence in client liaison and business development activities Chartered or Full Member of CIEEM (or eligible) Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle Desirable Skills Track record in business development or client account management Knowledge of EcIA, BREEAM, or biodiversity net gain Specialist expertise (e.g. bats, botany, newts) Experience using GIS software (QGIS/ArcGIS) EPSM or specialist mitigation licences What s on Offer Competitive salary and generous pension scheme Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements Paid professional memberships and support for chartership Company-issued Apple tech (laptop and phone) Annual training budget with unlimited access to external courses Peer-awarded bonus scheme Supportive, inclusive team culture Genuine opportunity to create, lead, and grow your own regional team Location This is a national opportunity and can be based anywhere in England. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing a new office and building a team in their chosen region, supported by the company s central leadership and resources.
17/06/2026
Full time
Principal Ecologist A dynamic and forward-thinking ecological consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to take the lead in establishing a new regional office and building a team. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Senior Ecologist ready to step up, or an experienced Principal Ecologist looking to take ownership of their own region and play a central role in the company s continued growth across England. About the Role This is a strategic leadership position offering significant autonomy and career progression. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting up a new office, recruiting and mentoring a local team, and developing new and existing client relationships in their area. You ll be fully supported by the wider business, with access to resources, technical expertise, and operational backing to help you succeed. This role can be based anywhere in England, with the expectation that you will lead the creation of a local presence in your region. Some travel and occasional overnight stays will be required, but work-life balance remains a core value, with limits in place on time spent away or working unsocial hours. Key Responsibilities Lead and deliver a variety of ecological projects across multiple sectors Establish and grow a new regional office and team Provide technical direction, oversight, and quality assurance on deliverables Recruit, mentor, and develop team members Build and maintain strong client relationships Drive business development and contribute to company growth Ensure high standards of quality, compliance, and professionalism Essential Skills & Experience Proven experience in team leadership or mentoring within ecological consultancy Strong technical expertise across habitat or protected species survey work Excellent communication and project management skills Confidence in client liaison and business development activities Chartered or Full Member of CIEEM (or eligible) Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle Desirable Skills Track record in business development or client account management Knowledge of EcIA, BREEAM, or biodiversity net gain Specialist expertise (e.g. bats, botany, newts) Experience using GIS software (QGIS/ArcGIS) EPSM or specialist mitigation licences What s on Offer Competitive salary and generous pension scheme Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements Paid professional memberships and support for chartership Company-issued Apple tech (laptop and phone) Annual training budget with unlimited access to external courses Peer-awarded bonus scheme Supportive, inclusive team culture Genuine opportunity to create, lead, and grow your own regional team Location This is a national opportunity and can be based anywhere in England. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing a new office and building a team in their chosen region, supported by the company s central leadership and resources.
Senior Ecologist 40,000 - 55,000 + Company Car + benefits Home-based with weekly travel to offices and sites across the South East and South West Are you ready to help shape an in-house ecology team that protects habitats and supports vital infrastructure delivery? We are looking for a Senior Ecologist to join a leading UK principal contractor, turning over in excess of 2bn. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the UK's leading infrastructure businesses and play a key role in delivering ecological support across major infrastructure projects. The team is expanding significantly, offering excellent long-term career progression and exposure to a diverse range of projects, habitats and protected species work. This is a hybrid role, with offices based across Oxfordshire, Beaconsfield, Bristol, Exeter, Cambridge, Suffolk, Ipswich, Luton or Winchester. Key responsibilities of the Senior Ecologist: Support habitat and species surveys, ensuring ecological requirements are met Manage ECoW requirements, impact assessments, licensing and mitigation activities Contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery, including BNG condition assessment Engage confidently with project teams to coordinate priorities and expectations The successful Principal Ecologist will have: Experience in field surveys and reporting, including UK Habitat Classification assessment, BNG condition assessment and protected species surveys Sound knowledge of ecological principles, legislation, policy and guidance Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities effectively Valid UK driving licence, with willingness to travel and stay away from home for short periods when required If you're looking to join a supportive, values-driven team and make a tangible difference to biodiversity outcomes, we'd love to hear from you. For further information and to apply, please contact or (phone number removed) . Job reference - 4755 Irwin and Colton are a specialist Health and Safety recruitment company, based in the South East of England we recruit across the UK. We recruit all roles in the health and safety industry from Health and Safety Manager, Health and Safety Director through to Health and Safety Advisor positions. Irwin and Colton Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at our website (url removed). Irwin and Colton is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.
13/06/2026
Full time
Senior Ecologist 40,000 - 55,000 + Company Car + benefits Home-based with weekly travel to offices and sites across the South East and South West Are you ready to help shape an in-house ecology team that protects habitats and supports vital infrastructure delivery? We are looking for a Senior Ecologist to join a leading UK principal contractor, turning over in excess of 2bn. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the UK's leading infrastructure businesses and play a key role in delivering ecological support across major infrastructure projects. The team is expanding significantly, offering excellent long-term career progression and exposure to a diverse range of projects, habitats and protected species work. This is a hybrid role, with offices based across Oxfordshire, Beaconsfield, Bristol, Exeter, Cambridge, Suffolk, Ipswich, Luton or Winchester. Key responsibilities of the Senior Ecologist: Support habitat and species surveys, ensuring ecological requirements are met Manage ECoW requirements, impact assessments, licensing and mitigation activities Contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery, including BNG condition assessment Engage confidently with project teams to coordinate priorities and expectations The successful Principal Ecologist will have: Experience in field surveys and reporting, including UK Habitat Classification assessment, BNG condition assessment and protected species surveys Sound knowledge of ecological principles, legislation, policy and guidance Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities effectively Valid UK driving licence, with willingness to travel and stay away from home for short periods when required If you're looking to join a supportive, values-driven team and make a tangible difference to biodiversity outcomes, we'd love to hear from you. For further information and to apply, please contact or (phone number removed) . Job reference - 4755 Irwin and Colton are a specialist Health and Safety recruitment company, based in the South East of England we recruit across the UK. We recruit all roles in the health and safety industry from Health and Safety Manager, Health and Safety Director through to Health and Safety Advisor positions. Irwin and Colton Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at our website (url removed). Irwin and Colton is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.
Principal Ecologist 50,000 - 75,000 + Company Car + benefits Home-based with weekly travel to offices and sites across the South East and South West Are you ready to help shape an in-house ecology team that protects habitats and supports vital infrastructure delivery? We are looking for a Principal Ecologist to join a leading UK principal contractor, turning over in excess of 2bn. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the UK's leading infrastructure businesses and play a key role in delivering ecological support across major infrastructure projects. The team is expanding significantly, offering excellent long term career progression and exposure to a diverse range of projects, habitats and protected species work. This is a hybrid role, with offices based across Oxfordshire, Beaconsfield, Bristol, Exeter, Cambridge, Suffolk, Ipswich, Luton or Winchester. Key responsibilities of the Principal Ecologist: Lead and support habitat and species surveys, ensuring ecological requirements are met Manage ECoW requirements, impact assessments, licensing and mitigation activities Contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery, including BNG condition assessment Engage confidently with project teams to coordinate priorities and expectations The successful Principal Ecologist will have: Experience in field surveys and reporting, including UK Habitat Classification assessment, BNG condition assessment and protected species surveys Sound knowledge of ecological principles, legislation, policy and guidance Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities effectively Valid UK driving licence, with willingness to travel and stay away from home for short periods when required If you're looking to join a supportive, values-driven team and make a tangible difference to biodiversity outcomes, we'd love to hear from you. For further information and to apply, please contact or (phone number removed) . Job Reference - AL 4754 Irwin and Colton are a specialist Health and Safety recruitment company, based in the South East of England we recruit across the UK. We recruit all roles in the health and safety industry from Health and Safety Manager, Health and Safety Director through to Health and Safety Advisor positions. Irwin and Colton Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at our website (url removed). Irwin and Colton is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.
12/06/2026
Full time
Principal Ecologist 50,000 - 75,000 + Company Car + benefits Home-based with weekly travel to offices and sites across the South East and South West Are you ready to help shape an in-house ecology team that protects habitats and supports vital infrastructure delivery? We are looking for a Principal Ecologist to join a leading UK principal contractor, turning over in excess of 2bn. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the UK's leading infrastructure businesses and play a key role in delivering ecological support across major infrastructure projects. The team is expanding significantly, offering excellent long term career progression and exposure to a diverse range of projects, habitats and protected species work. This is a hybrid role, with offices based across Oxfordshire, Beaconsfield, Bristol, Exeter, Cambridge, Suffolk, Ipswich, Luton or Winchester. Key responsibilities of the Principal Ecologist: Lead and support habitat and species surveys, ensuring ecological requirements are met Manage ECoW requirements, impact assessments, licensing and mitigation activities Contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery, including BNG condition assessment Engage confidently with project teams to coordinate priorities and expectations The successful Principal Ecologist will have: Experience in field surveys and reporting, including UK Habitat Classification assessment, BNG condition assessment and protected species surveys Sound knowledge of ecological principles, legislation, policy and guidance Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities effectively Valid UK driving licence, with willingness to travel and stay away from home for short periods when required If you're looking to join a supportive, values-driven team and make a tangible difference to biodiversity outcomes, we'd love to hear from you. For further information and to apply, please contact or (phone number removed) . Job Reference - AL 4754 Irwin and Colton are a specialist Health and Safety recruitment company, based in the South East of England we recruit across the UK. We recruit all roles in the health and safety industry from Health and Safety Manager, Health and Safety Director through to Health and Safety Advisor positions. Irwin and Colton Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at our website (url removed). Irwin and Colton is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.
