Location: Based in Kent (with flexibility to work remotely from East Sussex or Surrey), or Sussex (with flexibility to work remotely from Kent or Surrey).
Salary: From £40,000 (dependent on experience and protected species licences)
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
- 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
Four-Day Working Week Trial (2026)
We are currently running a company-wide four-day working week trial (March–December 2026), where staff work Monday to Thursday at full pay. Friday is a non-working day for most roles. We are committed to finding sustainable ways of working that genuinely support our people’s wellbeing.
Competitive Salary
£40,000 dependent on experience and licences held.
Full Vitality Health Cover
- Hospital and consultant fees
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Optical and dental cover
- Physiotherapy
- Diagnostic cover and therapies
Annual Leave
Our annual leave entitlement is above the statutory minimum and has been adjusted proportionally to reflect our four-day working week — so the real value of your leave remains strong.
Option to use a company vehicle or claim mileage for project-related travel.
Professional Development and CIEEM Membership
Full coverage of your CIEEM membership fees, a £750 annual training budget, and access to larger budgets for specific training goals.
High-Quality Fieldwork Equipment
Access to well-maintained, up-to-date equipment to support your fieldwork.
Hybrid Flexible Working
Two days per week in the office, with the rest worked flexibly from home or in the field.
Company Sick Pay
Enhanced sick pay above the statutory minimum, so you can focus on getting better.
Loyalty Bonus
- £2,000 after 5 years
- £4,000 after 10 years
- £6,000 after 15 years
A Team That Values Your Contribution
A friendly, sociable, and inclusive working environment where your ideas and efforts are genuinely recognised.
To apply for this role please email your CV and a covering letter to
HR@ecologyco-op.co.uk
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.
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