The Principal Ecologist is a senior technical specialist responsible for leading complex ecological assessments, providing expert advice to clients and project teams, and supporting the growth, quality, and delivery performance of CPD ecology services. The role combines technical leadership, project delivery, client engagement, and mentorship, with accountability for quality, programme, and commercial outcomes on ecology‑led and multidisciplinary projects.
Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Delivery
Act as technical lead for complex terrestrial, freshwater and/or ornithological ecology scopes across infrastructure, energy, renewables, and development projects.
Lead and review Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), HRA inputs, biodiversity chapters for EIAs, and supporting technical reports.
Provide authoritative advice on UK planning policy, protected species legislation, habitats regulations, and biodiversity net gain (BNG).
Oversee and quality‑review field survey design, interpretation of results, and mitigation strategies.
Ensure technical outputs meet ERM quality standards, best practice guidance, and client expectations.
Project & Commercial Management
Support or lead project delivery, including scope definition, programme planning, budget control, and risk management for ecology packages.
Contribute to proposal development, including methodology writing, resourcing, pricing, and technical input to bids.
Identify opportunities to grow ecology scopes within wider CPD projects and frameworks.
Support workload planning and resourcing discussions in collaboration with team leads.
Client Engagement
Build trusted relationships with key clients, acting as a senior technical point of contact.
Represent ERM in technical meetings with regulators, statutory consultees, and stakeholders.
Provide pragmatic, solution‑focused advice to help clients navigate consenting and environmental risk.
People Leadership & Mentoring
Provide line management and/or technical mentoring to consultants and senior consultants within the ecology team.
Support capability development, knowledge sharing, and upskilling within the team.
Contribute to succession planning and talent development initiatives within CPD Ecology.
Quality, Governance & Continuous Improvement
Champion high standards of health, safety, and environmental performance.
Contribute to internal technical communities, guidance development, and innovation initiatives.
Support continuous improvement in ecology delivery efficiency and consistency.
Essential Skills & Experience
Degree (or higher) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
Extensive experience delivering ecological consultancy services in the UK.
Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and environmental consenting processes.
Proven experience leading ecology inputs to EIAs and large infrastructure projects.
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, programmes, and client relationships.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable
Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM) at an appropriate level.
Chartered Ecologist or working towards chartership.
Specialist expertise (e.g. ornithology, freshwater ecology, BNG, protected species licensing).
Experience working within multidisciplinary project teams.
Experience contributing to frameworks or long‑term client programmes.
Behaviours & Attributes
Credible senior technical authority with a collaborative mindset.
Commercially aware and delivery‑focused.
Calm and pragmatic under pressure.
Committed to developing people and building high‑performing teams.
Aligned with ERM values and purpose‑led consultancy.
Reporting & Interfaces
Reports to: Ecology Team Lead / Technical Discipline Lead
Works closely with: EIA Leads, Project Managers, Technical Directors, and CPD Leadership
Interfaces with clients, regulators, and statutory consultees
Why This Role Matters
Principal Ecologists play a critical role in enabling CPD to deliver complex projects efficiently, manage ecological risk for clients, and maintain ERM’s reputation for technical excellence while supporting sustainable growth.
ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2025 Sustainability Report.
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