Principal Ecologist - Kent or Sussex

We are seeking a Principal Ecologist to join our growing team based in Kent or Sussex, with flexibility for cross region remote working.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Ecologist looking to step up and progress, or for an established Principal Ecologist seeking a new challenge and the chance to play a key role in a developing and ambitious business.

About the Role

You will provide leadership and guidance to a team of ecologists, defining structured development pathways and ensuring high standards of technical delivery. You will lead on a range of ecological projects, working across multiple disciplines and contributing technical expertise to ensure high quality, integrated environmental outcomes.

In this role, you will help to drive business growth by identifying opportunities, contributing towards environmental strategies, frameworks and bid development, ensuring ecological perspectives are embedded at every level.

You will work closely with the Kent-based or Sussex-based team as well as with colleagues across the wider business.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading a variety of ecological surveys, including protected species work
• Preparing high-quality proposals, reports, and technical documents
• Liaising effectively with clients, consultees, and other environmental disciplines
• Contributing to proposal preparation for new projects and tender submissions
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members
• Ensuring work is completed to the highest technical and professional standards
• Staying up to date with relevant environmental legislation and industry best practices
• Willingness to work outside of standard hours.

About You

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) in ecology or a related subject
• Proven senior background within consultancy demonstrating strong leadership, technical capability, and the ability to mentor and manage junior staff
• A minimum of ten years’ experience in a comparable consultancy role
• Ideally holds at least two protected species survey licence (bat licence preferred)
• Skilled in producing EcIAs, ES Chapters and HRAs
• Experience acting as the Named Ecologist on EPS mitigation licences
• Able to deliver accurate, high-quality reports
• Strong understanding of protected species technical work and ecological legislation
• Demonstrable knowledge of environmental legislation and planning policies
• Experience with project management, client liaison, and proposal preparation
• Proficient in GIS and BNG assessments
• Full CIEEM membership
• Holds a valid UK driving licence and is willing to work flexible hours and travel to sites as required
• An MSc or PhD in a relevant subject is desirable but not essential
• Additional capability with other protected species or botanical skills would be advantageous

What We Offer

• Competitive salary from £40,000 dependent on experience and licences held
• Profit-related loyalty bonus scheme
• 22 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
• Option to use a company vehicle or claim mileage for project-related travel
• Opportunity to accrue extra annual leave from overtime worked during the summer, for use in the winter
• Full coverage of your CIEEM membership fees
• £750 annual training budget and larger budgets for specific training goals
• Access to high-quality equipment to support your fieldwork
• Health and Wellbeing programme
• Private medical insurance
• Private dental cover
• Company sick pay
• Hybrid flexible working (2 days per week office attendance)
• A friendly, sociable, and inclusive working environment where your contribution is valued

We have long prioritised making working hours more manageable for our staff. As early adopters of night vision aids over 12 years ago, we were quick to remove dawn bat surveys from staff workloads. Several years ago, we also introduced a ‘cash back hours’ system, allowing staff to take time back during their working week.

We are always looking to go further. In 2026 we will be bringing forward proposals to explore additional reduced working hours approaches with a strong focus on staff wellbeing and sustainable performance.

We welcome applications from individuals who believe a high-performance working style balanced with a meaningful recovery time, would enable them to thrive.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and recognise the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on objective criteria and without regard to age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation; protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Our organisation is committed not only to meeting its legal obligations but also to the positive promotion of equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.