Principal Ecologist

Department: Field Team

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Essex

Reporting To: Steph Green

Compensation: £45,000 - £55,000 / year

Description

Principal Ecologist – South-East England (Location Flexible)

Help establish and lead our new regional office

We’re offering a rare opportunity for an experienced Principal Ecologist to establish and lead a new South-East office, backed by the support and stability of an established consultancy. You’ll enjoy genuine influence, flexible working, a discretionary 9-day fortnight, group-wide learning opportunities, and the chance to shape a growing team while working on impactful ecological projects.

About Us

Ethos Environmental Planning Ltd is part of the Celnor Group a network of specialist environmental, testing, inspection, and risk-management businesses committed to protecting people, places, and the planet. Being part of Celnor gives you access to shared tools, development pathways, and group-wide opportunities, while retaining the expertise and identity that makes Ethos a trusted ecological consultancy.

Ethos is an environmental planning consultancy based in the world heritage city of Bath and working across the UK. We are a multi-disciplinary consultancy providing decision-making in relation to planning with a focus on ecology, green space, and biodiversity net gain.

About the Opportunity
Over recent years, we’ve developed strong and growing relationships with clients across the East and South-East of England. Demand has now reached the point where we’re ready to establish a new regional office — and we’re looking for an experienced Principal Ecologist to help create, shape, and lead it.

We don’t have a fixed location in mind for the new office; we’re driven by finding the right person.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for someone ready to take the next step in their career: the chance to build a team from the ground up, while still enjoying the stability, support, and shared resources of an established consultancy. While you’ll have the space to shape and grow this new office, you’ll also be part of a connected, supportive team with a track record of delivering high-quality ecological services across the UK.

You’ll take a key role across the business, helping to set technical standards, guide project delivery, mentor colleagues, and contribute actively to the Ethos Management Team.

Key Responsibilities

Surveys & Fieldwork

Conduct UK Habitat surveys, hedgerow assessments, and condition assessments
Lead protected species surveys (e.g., bats, GCN, reptiles, dormouse, birds)
Deliver ecological supervision including watching briefs, toolbox talks, and Ecological Clerk of Works duties

Ecological Assessment

Lead and approve EcIAs, ES chapters, licence applications, mitigation strategies, and management plans
Lead Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments using DEFRA Metric and related tools (BREEAM, Habitat Regulations, etc.)
Ensure consistency, technical quality, and continuous improvement in ecological assessments
Analyse ecological data, assess impacts, and apply the mitigation hierarchy to develop robust strategies
Design and deliver ecological monitoring schemes
Produce GIS mapping of habitats and ecological features
Prepare and provide ecological evidence for appeals

Project Management

Manage a diverse portfolio of projects, including complex programmes
Lead communication with clients and stakeholders, offering expert ecological advice
Attend project meetings and liaise with statutory and non-statutory consultees
Prepare and review quotes, invoices, budgets, and proposals
Oversee survey planning, team resourcing, and workflow to ensure deadlines are met
Coordinate operational procedures including timetables, reporting, and delivery standards

Business Management & Leadership

Identify and pursue opportunities for new clients and project growth
Implement systems to support efficiency and good practice
Review and implement fee rates across the new office
Ensure team capacity aligns with workflow, and support recruitment as the office grows
Mentor and develop staff, delivering training sessions and leading appraisals
Support the Managing Director with HR, H&S compliance, and staff wellbeing

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Minimum 6 years’ experience in the ecology sector
Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience
Full CIEEM membership (or equivalent)
Strong field skills and species identification expertise
Experience designing and overseeing complex ecological surveys
Proven ability to assess impacts and develop mitigation strategies
Experience with protected species licensing; holding at least one personal licence
Ability to lead and approve high-quality EcIAs and ES chapters
Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, and guidance
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated leadership and team management experience
Initiative, enthusiasm, and a commitment to continued learning
Full UK driving licence
Ability to work independently and manage your own workload

Job Benefits

Senior role with genuine influence over practice and office development
Part of a trusted and growing group of environmental consultancies
Access to group-wide learning programmes, CPD, and networking
Work on projects that make a meaningful environmental impact
25 days annual leave (pro rata)
Discretionary 9-day fortnight (every other Friday off)
Staff mentoring and support
Flexible and hybrid working options
TOIL and paid overtime
Minimum 4 days formal training per year (including minimum 2 days external)
Work-related expenses covered, including mileage at £0.45/mile
Statutory sickness and parental leave in line with current guidance
Contributory pension scheme (up to 4% employer matched)

Key Responsibilities

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Job Benefits

About Ethos