Principal / Associate Ecologist
| Posting date: | 03 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £50,000.0 to £65,000.0 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £50,000 - £65,000 (DOE) |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 April 2026 |
| Location: | Leeds, West Yorkshire, BD11 1ND |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4775935_1772541905 |
Summary
Your new company
An established and fast‑growing UK environmental consultancy is looking to appoint an experienced Ecologist at Senior, Principal, or Associate Director level. With a long history of delivering high quality environmental advice across major UK and European projects, the business is recognised for its technical expertise, collaborative culture and commitment to driving environmentally responsible development.
This organisation operates across multiple environmental disciplines and has seen sustained growth for over 30 years. They offer a supportive, forward-thinking environment with strong investment in professional development and long‑term career progression.
Your new role
This role is ideal for an experienced consultant ready to step into a leadership-focused position with reduced fieldwork and increased responsibility for technical strategy, client liaison and high-level ecological assessment.Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing ecological inputs from early feasibility through to planning and consent
- Leading Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
- Managing programmes, budgets, technical delivery and multidisciplinary coordination
- Reviewing survey data and providing quality assurance on all outputs
- Developing proposals, tenders and scopes of work
- Acting as a key point of contact for clients, planners, engineers, and design teams
What you'll need to succeed
Essential:
- Significant experience in ecological consultancy with a proven track record on large or complex projects
- Strong knowledge of UK planning, EcIA, BNG and ecological survey methodology
- Experience managing ecological components of infrastructure or renewable energy projects
- Competence in UKHab surveys and oversight of protected species work
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead client relationships
- Strong report-writing, project management and organisational capabilities
- Proficiency in GIS and standard reporting tools
- Degree in ecology or a related discipline
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Direct experience of DCO/NSIP projects
- HRA experience (screening or appropriate assessment)
- Botanical or ornithological expertise
- Protected species licences
- Membership of a chartered ecological or environmental body (e.g., CIEEM)
- Experience mentoring junior staff
What you'll get in return
- Annual salary of £50,000 - £65,000 (DOE)
- Enhanced pension contributions
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Optional medical cover
- Flexible working arrangements
- Strong wellbeing support, including mental health first aiders
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Inclusive and supportive organisational culture
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk