Principal Ecologist

Location:

Cambridge (CB2) – Cambridgeshire, East Anglia, United Kingdom

Salary:

£47000 – £55000 per annum

Type:

Permanent

Main Industry:

Search Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry Jobs

Other Industries & Skills: 

Environmental & Nature Conservation

Advertiser:

Penguin Recruitment Ltd

Job ID:

132465186

Posted On: 

23 November 2025

Principal Ecologist – Cambridge

A leading UK environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join their Cambridge-based team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking ecologist to take the next step in their career within a supportive and well-established consultancy, which forms part of a larger global environmental and engineering group.

Benefits;

Competitive salary aligned with experience and market rates
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Flexible/hybrid working to support work-life balance
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Exciting, high-profile projects across infrastructure, renewables, water, and built environment sectors
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Clear progression pathways and structured career development
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Collaborative, inclusive team culture with access to technical experts across disciplines
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Comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension, and generous leave policies
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Strong commitment to sustainability and biodiversity net gain

You will ideally have;

Significant experience in ecological consultancy or a similar role
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Strong understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and planning policy
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Proven experience managing ecological aspects of complex projects
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Expertise in one or more specialist areas (e.g. bats, great crested newts, ornithology, botany)
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Full member of CIEEM (or eligible)
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Project management and client-facing experience
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Protected species licences (desirable)
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Full UK driving licence

Key responsibilities include:

Leading and delivering ecological inputs on a range of projects from concept to completion
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Designing and overseeing ecological surveys and assessments (including EIA and HRA)
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Providing technical review and quality assurance of reports
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Managing client relationships and contributing to business development
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Supporting the development and mentoring of junior ecologists
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Ensuring work is delivered in line with current legislation, best practice, and client expectations

The Principal Ecologist will lead on a diverse portfolio of projects, provide technical oversight, and mentor a growing team of ecologists. The role includes project management, client engagement, high-level ecological assessment and reporting, and input into multi-disciplinary design and planning teams.

Interested in this opportunity? Please apply today or contact Ashleigh Garner at Penguin Recruitment.

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