Principal Ecologist/Head of Ecology

Location: Home-based. Candidates based within the East of England or Midlands are particularly encouraged to apply.
Working Pattern: Home-based with flexible working arrangements and travel as required.
Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience.

BiOME Consulting Ltd is an established ecology and ornithology consultancy delivering hundreds of projects each year across the UK. With a team of 14 staff and a reputation for providing pragmatic, high-quality ecological advice, we work across a diverse range of sectors and habitats.

Due to continued growth and a substantial project portfolio, we are seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to join our team and help lead the delivery of ecological services across the business.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced consultancy ecologist looking for a senior role with genuine responsibility, autonomy and influence within a growing business.

The Role

The successful candidate will play a key role in overseeing project delivery across the ecology team, ensuring work is delivered efficiently, professionally and to a consistently high standard.

The role is expected to be predominantly home-based and focused on project oversight, technical review, team support and client liaison. Whilst some fieldwork may be undertaken where appropriate, this is not intended to be a heavily survey-focused position.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and overseeing ecological projects from inception to completion.
• Managing workloads and supporting the coordination of project delivery across the ecology team.
• Providing technical review and quality assurance of reports and assessments.
• Supporting and mentoring ecologists within the team.
• Acting as a senior point of contact for clients and project stakeholders.
• Helping to maintain and develop technical standards, processes and best practice.
• Supporting business development opportunities and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Contributing to the continued growth and success of the company.

About You

We are looking for an experienced and motivated ecologist with strong technical, organisational and communication skills.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience within ecological consultancy.
• A strong track record of delivering and managing ecological projects.
• Excellent report-writing and technical review skills.
• Sound knowledge of UK ecological legislation, planning policy and survey methodologies.
• Experience supporting, mentoring or managing colleagues.
• Strong client-facing and project management skills.
• Membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional body.

The following would be advantageous:

• Protected species licences.
• Biodiversity Net Gain experience.
• Habitat assessment and UKHab experience.

Why Join BiOME?

• Home-based working with flexibility and autonomy.
• A varied workload across hundreds of projects annually.
• A supportive and experienced multidisciplinary team with strong ornithological expertise.
• A senior role with real influence over project delivery and team development.
• Opportunities to help shape the future growth of the business.
• Ongoing professional development and training support.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Applications are welcomed from experienced Principal Ecologists, Associate Ecologists and ambitious Senior Ecologists seeking the next step in their career.

If you are looking for a senior role within a growing consultancy where your expertise, judgement and leadership can make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: 7 August 2026