Principal Ecologist

Overview

We have a fantastic new opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to join our VolkerFitzpatrick Business, supporting on multiple projects.

The Principal Ecologist is responsible for leading ecological strategy, risk management and compliance across VolkerFitzpatrick’s construction and civil engineering projects. The role provides senior technical expertise, ensuring projects meet legislative, client, and environmental obligations, while driving best practice and biodiversity enhancement across the business.

About you:

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related field.
• Full Membership of CIEEM (essential).
• Extensive experience leading ecology on major construction or civil engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, protected species licensing and planning requirements.
• Experienced in large-scale impact assessments and complex mitigation design.
• CSCS card (or ability to obtain).
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Technical competencies expected of the role:

• Accomplished competency in UK Habs assessment.
• Accomplished competency in Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Accomplished competency in the production of PEA reports, PMWs, EcIAs and Biodiversity Chapters for Environmental Statements (ES) and HRAs.
• Accomplished competency in design of mitigation measures.
• Has been named on a mitigation licence and has led the implementation of one or more mitigation licences.
• Accomplished competency in protected species identification and survey.
• Accomplished understanding of UK legislation relating to protected species and habitats and application in typical projects.
• Has an excellent knowledge of the UK legislation relating to protected species and habitats.

If your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.