Principal Ecologist

Bennett & Game are proud to be representing an award-winning multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy, previously recognised as one of the UK's Top 100 Companies to Work For. With offices across the country, including a strong presence in Leeds, they deliver innovative and sustainable solutions across infrastructure, development, and environmental sectors. Due to continued expansion of their ecological services, they are now seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their Leeds office and play a key role in driving technical excellence, project delivery, and team development within a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.

Principal Ecologist Job Overview

Lead complex ecological assessments, including advanced protected species surveys, detailed site evaluations, and strategic ecological input for major development projects
Prepare and oversee high-quality technical reports such as Ecological Impact Assessments, biodiversity net gain strategies, mitigation design, and specialist ecological guidance
Provide senior technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teams, collaborating with arboriculturists, landscape architects, engineers, and planners
Design and implement mitigation, compensation, and enhancement strategies for protected species and habitats, ensuring robust compliance with legislation
Manage client relationships, support fee proposals, and contribute to business development across the ecology service line
Oversee ecological components during construction phases, including method statement development, ecological supervision, and compliance monitoring
Mentor, support, and quality-check the work of senior and junior ecologists, fostering technical growth and maintaining high professional standardsPrincipal Ecologist Job Requirements

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline
Extensive consultancy experience with proven ability to lead ecological projects from bid through to delivery
Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, advanced mitigation design, and biodiversity net gain principles
Competency with protected species survey licences (e.g. bats, GCN) and holding one or more Natural England licences is highly advantageous
Strong GIS capability (QGIS or ArcGIS) and confidence in reviewing complex ecological data
Excellent leadership, client management, and project management skills
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites across the regionPrincipal Ecologist Salary & Benefits

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Inclusive Culture - Supportive, collaborative workplace that values diversity and professional growth
Competitive Rewards - 5% pension match, life assurance, and long-service recognition
Time Off & Flexibility - 25 days' holiday (rising to 28), option to buy additional days, hybrid working (3 days office), and flexible core hours
Health & Wellbeing - Westfield Health cover, healthcare cash plan, Cycle to Work scheme, and dedicated wellbeing initiatives
Community & Connection - Volunteering days, regular social events, discounts, and savings programmes

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

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