Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist – Bristol Embankment Group is proud to support an established environmental consultancy in their search for a Principal Ecologist to join and strengthen their growing ecology team in Bristol. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced ecologist to step into a senior leadership role, combining technical expertise, project management, and team development to make a meaningful impact on the consultancy’s ecological services across the South West region.

Overview

As a Principal Ecologist, you will play a pivotal role in leading the delivery of high-quality ecological projects, mentoring a talented team of ecologists, and contributing to the growth of the consultancy’s presence in the region. This role is ideal for a professional who thrives on balancing technical excellence with client engagement and business development.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues across ecology, landscape, arboriculture, and other environmental disciplines, supporting a diverse range of projects from initial advisory stages through to successful delivery.

This position also offers a 4-day working week on full-time pay, providing an excellent opportunity to achieve a better work-life balance while advancing your career in a senior ecology role.

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Responsibilities

• Lead ecological projects across a diverse portfolio, including development, infrastructure, and environmental schemes.
• Oversee project delivery, ensuring technical quality, budget adherence, and client satisfaction.
• Provide senior-level input on ecological constraints, mitigation, enhancement, and planning strategies.
• Prepare and review Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and habitat-led project work.
• Oversee protected species surveys, licensing, and mitigation strategies.
• Act as a senior technical reviewer for reports, assessments, and client deliverables.
• Manage relationships with clients, local planning authorities, and statutory consultees.
• Contribute to bids, tenders, and business development activities to grow the consultancy’s ecology workload in Bristol and the wider region.
• Mentor, support, and develop ecologists at various stages of their careers.
• Collaborate with other technical teams to deliver integrated environmental advice.

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Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, biological sciences, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy or a similar professional setting.
• In-depth knowledge of UK ecology legislation, planning policy, and industry guidance.
• Proven experience leading ecological inputs on complex or multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong project management skills, including budget, deadline, and quality control responsibilities.
• Proficiency in preparing, reviewing, and signing off ecological reports.
• Confident survey skills, including UK Habitat Classification and protected species surveys.
• Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), EcIA, PEA, and HRA work.
• Full membership of CIEEM (or working towards this level).
• Protected species licences (advantageous).
• Experience liaising with clients, planning authorities, and statutory bodies.
• A commercial mindset with experience in proposals, tenders, or client development.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior team members.
• A collaborative approach with the confidence to work across multiple technical disciplines.
• A full UK driving licence.

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Day-to-Day

• Lead and manage ecological projects, ensuring high-quality delivery and client satisfaction.
• Conduct and oversee ecological surveys, assessments, and mitigation strategies.
• Provide expert advice on ecological constraints, planning strategies, and biodiversity enhancements.
• Review and approve technical reports and deliverables.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated environmental solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Support the professional development of team members through mentoring and training.
• Contribute to business development activities, including preparing bids and proposals.

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Benefits

• 4-day working week on full-time pay, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the growth of a successful and well-established consultancy team.
• Work on a diverse range of meaningful and impactful ecological projects.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment with multidisciplinary teams.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentoring and training.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Chance to make a tangible difference in the South West’s ecological landscape.

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If you are a passionate and experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in your career, this is your opportunity to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact. Join a consultancy that values innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.