Description

The role is for a Principal Consultant – Ecology within an internationally focused ecology team delivering high‑impact solutions for UK projects. You will lead technical delivery, drive team growth, and champion innovation using advanced digital tools and global best practices.

You will provide technical leadership by authoring high‑quality ecological reports for Environmental Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain and related documents, while ensuring quality assurance and compliance with UK and European standards. In addition, you will manage and mentor a team of 8‑10 ecology professionals, fostering a collaborative culture and supporting career development, as well as securing new work through client relationship building and business development.

Your responsibilities include designing, supervising and reviewing ecological and species surveys, applying advanced identification skills across taxa, and advising on UK and European legislation, policy and best practice. You will utilise GIS, R, Bat Explorer and AI‑powered platforms for data collection, analysis and reporting, champion digital transformation, and maintain biosecurity and health‑and‑safety protocols throughout project phases. Acting as the primary contact for clients, regulators and partners, you will demonstrate strong communication and influencing skills.

• Lead and author high‑quality ecological reports for EIAs, BNG and related technical documents.
• Ensure quality assurance and technical accuracy in line with UK and European standards.
• Manage and mentor a team of 8‑10 ecology professionals, promoting career development.
• Identify new business opportunities and build client relationships to secure work.
• Design, supervise and review ecological and species surveys and habitat assessments.
• Apply advanced taxonomic identification skills across diverse habitats and regions.
• Advise on UK and European environmental legislation, policy and best‑practice guidance.
• Utilise GIS, R, Bat Explorer and AI‑powered platforms for data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Champion digital transformation, standardisation and automation within the ecology team.
• Oversee biosecurity and health‑and‑safety protocols throughout all project phases.
• Act as primary liaison for clients, regulators and partners, demonstrating strong communication.
• Produce and review large‑scale reports for consultancy and donor agencies.

Requirements

The ideal candidate holds at least a Master’s degree in Zoology, Ecology, Conservation Biology or a related discipline, with a PhD and extensive industry experience preferred, and professional membership in bodies such as CIEEM or IES. You should have 15–20 years of ecological consultancy experience, a proven record of delivering UK‑based projects from international contexts, and demonstrated ability to lead high‑performing teams. Advanced proficiency in ArcGIS, bat analysis software and digital data management, strong report‑writing capabilities, and excellent written and verbal communication are essential; foreign language skills and AI experience are advantageous.

• Hold a Master’s (or PhD) degree in Zoology, Ecology, Conservation Biology or a related field.
• Bring 15–20 years of ecological consultancy experience, including international project delivery.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in ArcGIS, bat analysis software and digital data management tools.
• Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication, capable of presenting to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Professional membership in organisations such as CIEEM or IES is desirable.
• Fluency in foreign languages and experience with AI applications in ecology are added advantages.
• Show passion for innovation, digital transformation and sustainability, with a strong industry network.

Benefits

Arcadis empowers employees to be their best, offering a skills‑based career path that maximises impact on sustainable solutions for a prosperous planet. By joining, you will contribute meaningful work, shape your own legacy, and help create lasting environmental benefits.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance