Principal Ecologist

Job Title:
Principal Ecologist – Design Assurance & Delivery

Salary:
£450 to £500 per day (outside IR35)

Location:
Kingsbury, Birmingham, Coventry

Type:
Contract, hybrid

About the Role:
Our client is seeking a Principal Ecologist to play a pivotal role in delivering their Green Corridor project. You will provide technical expertise on ecological design, ensuring integration of mitigation into civil engineering and landscape plans to achieve No Net Loss of Biodiversity. The role involves guiding the Natural Capital Team, producing high-quality ecological reports, implementing protected species mitigation, and assuring the delivery of habitat creation and enhancement measures. You will also oversee ecological works packages, problem-solve design challenges, and ensure smooth delivery from design into construction.

About Our Client:
Our client is a leading infrastructure and sustainability-focused organisation delivering transformative projects across the UK. They are committed to biodiversity, ecological innovation, and industry best practice, providing an environment where expertise is valued and ecological outcomes are prioritised.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive development, assurance, and implementation of robust ecological designs that conform to best practice, legislation, and client standards.
• Ensure designs align with project documents including Environmental Statements, No Net Loss Database, and Ecology Site Management Plans.
• Assess and verify ecological designs for site suitability, considering hydrology, topography, habitat monitoring data, and integration with existing designs.
• Manage and resolve design challenges and site clashes, incorporating updates from monitoring and stakeholder feedback.
• Lead technical assurance of ecological design, ensuring monitoring, compliance with species licences, and integration of design requirements.
• Collate documentation for project handover and contribute to reports, submissions, and stakeholder engagement.

What Our Client is Looking For:

• Extensive experience in ecological mitigation, enhancement, and management for construction projects, particularly NSIPs.
• Strong understanding of ecological standards, legislation, and best practice.
• Excellent project management, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Degree or master’s in ecology or related field.
• Protected species licence holder (mitigation licence desirable).
• Membership or eligibility for CIEEM.
• Competent in MS Office and GIS.
• Strong communication skills with experience guiding teams and liaising with stakeholders including Natural England.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

What Our Client Offers:

• Opportunity to work on a high-profile, environmentally transformative project.
• Hybrid working model for flexible work-life balance.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.

Eligibility:
Applicants must have the relevant ecological qualifications, licences, and experience outlined above. Full UK work eligibility is required.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.