As a CIEEM Registered Practice, we are committed to delivering high standards of professional practice, ethics and quality. The Principal Ecologist plays a key role in maintaining these standards while contributing to the continued growth and reputation of the business and the wider profession.
This is a senior technical and leadership role, responsible for managing ecological projects and supporting the development of a high-performing team. The successful candidate will deliver high-quality ecological consultancy services, provide technical leadership, build strong client relationships and contribute to business development. Excellent communication skills, sound ecological knowledge and commercial awareness are essential.
Prerequisites
- Full Member of CIEEM (MCIEEM) or an equivalent chartered professional body;
- Degree in Ecology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies or a related discipline;
- Demonstrable ecological consultancy experience across a range of sectors and project scales.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver ecological consultancy projects from inception through to completion;
- Provide technical oversight and quality assurance across a range of ecological projects;
- Manage project programmes, budgets and resources to ensure successful delivery;
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulators and project teams;
- Support business development through networking, tender preparation and identifying new opportunities;
- Mentor, develop and, where appropriate, line manage members of the ecology team;
- Promote high standards of health and safety, quality assurance and professional practice;
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated environmental solutions.
Essential Competencies
Candidates must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
- Species and/or habitat survey (S1-3);
- Designing environmental management and/or mitigation plans (M2);
- Habitats regulations assessments, environmental impact assessment, ecological assessment and/or biodiversity net gain assessment (A2-4,6);
- Advising on legal, policy and international standards and regulatory compliance (P3-4);
- Communication of technical information effectively to a range of audiences (C1);
- Working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams (F2);
- Managing quality, resources and operational efficiency (OM1,4);
- Project management including programme and financial management (PRM1);
- Information and document management and/or effective use of information technology (IM1-2).
Desirable Competencies
The ideal candidate will also be able to demonstrate capability in:
- Environmental management, including ecological management planning, implementation, risk management and specialist ecological advice (M1, M3, M6);
- Strategic Environmental Assessment and/or environmental valuation (A1, A5);
- Contributing to professional guidance, standards or industry best practice (P1);
- Interpreting ecological research to produce evidence-based conclusions (SM3);
- Undertaking standard and complex risk assessments (HS1);
- Partnership working, consultation and stakeholder engagement (F1);
- Setting objectives for resource efficiency and sustainability (OM2);
- Recruiting, leading, developing and motivating ecological teams to achieve business and project objectives (PEM1–PEM2).
Why work for Keystone?
- Interesting, diverse and meaningful projects that support our vision;
- Industry aligned salary and comprehensive benefits package;
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays;
- Life Assurance;
- Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP);
- Paid professional memberships, including CIEEM (where applicable);
- Ongoing investment in your development through internal and external training;
- Regular performance and career development reviews;
- Hybrid and flexible working opportunities;
- Enhanced family-friendly policies, including enhanced family leave;
- A supportive and inclusive culture (e.g. Menopause and Neurodiversity Café);
- Annual whole-team community action day;
- Three staff appreciation events per year;
- Cycle to Work Scheme;
We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can grow, contribute and feel valued.