Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

Based in Kingsbury, Coventry, Birmingham

£500 - 600 per day (can operate via Ltd company)

6 month rolling contract

The Role:

A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and driven Ecological Design & Delivery Specialist to play a key part in the delivery of one of the UK's largest and most ambitious infrastructure and environmental projects.

Responsibilities:

• Provide ecological technical expertise and guidance across all stages of design and delivery.
• Integrate ecological mitigation into civil engineering and landscape designs.
• Oversee delivery in line with contractual, legislative, and technical standards.
• Inspire and guide a team of ecologists within the Natural Capital function.
• Review and assure high-quality ecological reports and deliverables.
• Design and monitor protected species mitigation measures.
• Oversee and assure the delivery of habitat creation and enhancement.
• Lead adaptive management using habitat monitoring data.
• Resolve design and delivery challenges with proactive, practical solutions.
• Drive ecological considerations into programme planning and delivery schedules.
• Ensure designs align with environmental standards, including the Environmental Statement, LEMPs, ESMPs and No Net Loss databases.
• Support project handover and compliance with protected species licensing.

Key Interfaces:

• Collaborate with internal teams including Design Managers, Environmental Managers, Landscape Architects, and Construction Engineers.
• Liaise with external stakeholders such as Natural England, Wildlife Trusts, planning authorities, and specialist subcontractors.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Significant experience in ecological design and delivery, ideally on NSIPs or large infrastructure projects.
• Deep understanding of UK ecological legislation and planning requirements.
• Proven experience with protected species mitigation and relevant licensing.
• Excellent project management, organisational and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Degree (or higher) in ecology or related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GIS platforms.
• Membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to join).
• Full UK driver's licence.
• Experience in engaging with Natural England and stakeholders on mitigation licensing.

Desirable:

• Holder of protected species mitigation licences.
• Experience aligning designs with habitat monitoring and adaptive management.
• Knowledge of Schedule 17 submissions and Scheme of Mitigation processes.