Senior/ Principal - Field Ecology Lead

About Haskoning

At Haskoning, you will join an independent, employee-owned international consultancy that combines engineering, design, and consultancy services with software and technology. Our mission, "Enhancing Society Together," drives us to create a positive impact on the world.

We offer purpose-driven and challenging work in diverse international projects, leveraging our 140+ years of expertise. With over 6,800 employees in more than 25 countries, we work together to turn challenges into opportunities and make a real impact on society.

We work across a wide variety of sectors with a focus in the UK on renewable energy, water infrastructure and catchment management, industry and built environment and coastal and marine development.

Our Terrestrial Ecology Team

Our ecology team provides a wide variety of services, including ecological survey and assessment, compliance and advisory services, licensing, biodiversity net gain, ecological clerk of works, and habitat restoration design for exciting and nationally important projects. This work often supports EIA and HRA assessments across a wide variety of consent applications.

In parallel with project delivery, our Terrestrial Ecology Practice places strong emphasis on learning and development. As an employee-owned business, we invest in our people through structured training, opportunities to attend conferences and events, involvement in company initiatives (such as innovation programmes), and regular in-person Terrestrial Ecology team-building sessions.

Due to continued growth across a range of markets, we are now looking to expand our terrestrial ecology team, focusing on expanding our survey capability across the UK.

Job Role

We are seeking a Senior / Principal Ecologist with excellent communication skills and strong technical expertise in terrestrial ecology, who is keen to work on cutting-edge projects. In this role, you will lead and grow a team of specialists and manage ecological survey work from project inception and proposal stages through to the completion of reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Protected Species Survey Reports. You will act as a technical expert throughout the project lifecycle, advising on survey design and ecological assessment, and preparing or overseeing Ecological Impact Assessments, Protected Species and Habitat Mitigation Strategies, Ecological Management Plans, Protected Species licence applications, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments and method statements.

About You

You will have an extensive ecological understanding and 8+ years of demonstrable professional experience working on a range of projects, including undertaking and coordinating ecological surveys, collating and analysing biological data and drafting reports with a relevant degree in ecology, environmental sciences or similar subject.

This role might be right for you if you have:

• Extensive experience in the delivery of:
  • Preliminary Ecological Appraisals,
  • Ecological Impact Assessments,
  • Protected Species and Habitat Mitigation Strategies,
  • Ecological Management Plans,
  • Protected Species Licence applications, and
  • Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments.
• Natural England protected species survey licenses, in particular for bats. Experience as the named ecologist on mitigation licences would be advantageous.
• Full CIEEM membership.
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) experience and/or liaising/ managing contractors.
• A willingness to travel occasionally will be required, along with a valid UK driving licence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organisational, analytical and time management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.

And if you are:

• Dependable, pro-active and self-motivated
• Flexible, adaptive, innovative and willing to develop your career.

What we can offer you:

Exciting. Lively. Collaborative. Dynamic. Supportive. Friendly. That’s how our colleagues describe our company. The supportive and collaborative environment that Haskoning promote, alongside us being an independent company is what sets us apart from the crowd.

You can look forward to growing your career in a dynamic workplace with development opportunities and support on your career path. We have flexible working models to ensure a balance of family and working life, including part time options.

A competitive salary of £40,000 to £65,000 (depending on experience), plus a comprehensive benefits package, which you can learn more about here.

Location:

Exeter, Edinburgh, London, Newcastle, Peterborough, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds

At Haskoning, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our mission of "Enhancing Society Together" drives us to create an environment that embraces everyone’s unique background, identity, and perspective. Regardless of your experience, background, age, gender, or other personal characteristics—you are welcome here. We believe that diversity makes us stronger and that an inclusive culture gives everyone the opportunity to grow and contribute. Read more about our ED&I initiatives on our dedicated webpage.