Job description

PRINCIPAL ECOLOGIST
As the Principal Ecologist, you will be responsible for leading and managing ecological projects from start to finish. You will be expected to use your expertise in ecology to ensure that projects are delivered to the highest standard and within budget and time constraints.
As the Principal Ecologist, you will lead, recruit, and develop the Ecological services that support the Arboriculture team and the wider business to maximise sales and profitability within the area of responsibility through delivering excellent customer service, visual excellence, sound commercial decisions and effective cost control. You will recruit, develop, coach, build and lead a new team chosen by yourself to consistently deliver company expectations and service standards with safety and quality at the heart of everything we do.
The role of Principal Ecologist will be varied and strike a balance between office-based and site work. You will also have the opportunity to expand your experience by working with our arboriculture technical specialists.
Furthermore, you will ensure the division and team are fully informed on any legislation or technical system changes, improvements, or developments for the company to remain the UK market leader. Proactively work with new and existing clients to maximise the sales opportunities for the services provided by the team.

• Lead and manage ecological surveys, assessments, and impact studies in accordance with relevant UK legislation and industry standards.
• Provide expert guidance on ecological considerations during project planning, design, and implementation phases.
• Conduct habitat assessments, biodiversity surveys, and protected species studies to inform project development and environmental impact assessment.
• Analyse ecological data, prepare technical reports, and present findings to internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure ecological considerations are integrated into overall project strategies.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists, providing guidance, training, and fostering their professional development.
• Engage with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to facilitate project approvals and compliance with ecological requirements.
• Stay updated with industry trends, best practices, and changes in environmental legislation to ensure the company's ecological expertise remains cutting-edge.
• Develop and implement operational plans for your area of responsibility.
• Develop productive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Ensure Health & Safety requirements are met in your area of responsibility.
• Write, develop and review business processes for your area of responsibility
• Provide leadership in your area of responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
• Lead, plan and implement change in your area of responsibility.
• Recruit, select and coach your team in order to retain colleagues of the highest standard
• Allocate and monitor the progress and quality of work in your area of responsibility.
• Reduce and manage any conflict in your team.
• Manage finance for your area of responsibility, including supporting the setting of annual budgets, managing costs and working with commercial team on pricing of new projects.
• Oversee the management of physical resources required by your department to ensure your team has the right equipment maintained to the highest standard.
• Take effective decisions for your team, your clients and the wider business.
• Work with others to implement, deliver and maintain high standards customer service in your area of responsibility.

Job-Specific Qualifications & Skills:

• A degree in ecology.
• Must have a relevant Bat License
• Must have a relevant Door mouse License
• Full UK driving license
• Proven experience in watching briefs.
• A strong understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and policy.
• Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)

Location: South West England, Wales or Midlands... hybrid working...

For more details please contact Michelle on mluck@allen-york.com

About us: Allen & York have been matching purposeful people with purpose-led organisations for 30 years. We partner with our clients and candidates on roles that build an understanding of climate change, promote sustainability and create inclusive and responsible organisations, working towards a sustainable world for us all. Committed to inclusiveness in the workplace, we aim to increase diversity across all areas and therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. Let's help build a better world, together.