Principal Ecologist

As the Principal Ecologist at Arcadis, you’ll lead ecological projects across a diverse portfolio, ensuring high quality delivery within time, budget and SHEQ targets. You’ll guide the ecological aspects of client relationships, provide technical direction, and mentor team members. Your work will span biodiversity, habitat assessments, and related environmental statements to support sustainable development. This role offers impact through shaping environmental outcomes on major UK and international projects. You’ll join a collaborative, values-driven team committed to protecting the natural environment and water resources.

• Quality control, coordination and delivery of assigned ecological tasks and projects
• Lead and manage project delivery to meet time, budget and SHEQ targets
• Manage ecological aspects of client relationships to exceed expectations
• Provide leadership, direction and technical advice on projects
• Mentor and develop team members; participate in business development and bid activity
• Ensure compliance with biosecurity and health & safety protocols

• Deep knowledge of ecological principles, biodiversity metrics and EcIA guidance
• Field survey skills for relevant plant and animal groups
• Proven track record in PEAs, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments and Ecology chapters for ES
• Experience with Habitat Regulation Assessments (HRAs)
• Strong commercial and project management skills; bid production experience
• Ability to line manage or lead a team; licenses for survey/mitigation as applicable
• Chartered Environmentalist/Ecologist or approaching Chartered; Full member of CIEEM
• Willingness to travel as needed

• Leadership and people management
• Client relationship management
• Strategic thinking and problem solving
• Ecology and biodiversity assessment methods (PEA, EcIA, EIA)
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
• Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs)