An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen to join one the UK’s leading specialist ecological firms. Davidson-Watts Ecology is recruiting for Principal Ecologist grade role to be based out of its Bristol Office.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary (£45,000–£55,000) dependent on experience.
• Annual performance bonus and special bonus awards
• Hybrid working with flexibility to balance office, home, and site-based work.
• Unlimited ongoing professional development and training.
• Opportunities to work on diverse and high-profile projects, including work in New Zealand and the Pacific.
• A supportive, collaborative, and friendly working environment within a growing consultancy.
  If this is you, and you are looking for an opportunity to develop your skills and experience in ecology to a level few achieve, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
  For an informal chat about this role please contact arrange a Teams call via info@dwecology.co.uk
  To apply for this, please send a CV and covering letter outlining why you believe joining DWE is right for you to info@dwecology.co.uk
  Job Type: Full-time
  Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Bristol BS9 3HQ: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (required)

Experience:

• Professional: 8 years (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bristol BS9 3H

ROLE PURPOSE

The Principal Ecologist will play a key leadership role within our consultancy, supporting the management of our team of ecologists and a large network of specialist suppliers, while contributing to the successful delivery of projects. The postholder will provide technical expertise in ecology, oversee complex project work, and ensure compliance with UK legislation and best practice. The role combines strategic input, mentoring and coaching of colleagues, project management, and leading client-facing work, while maintaining some involvement in fieldwork and site delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead on the delivery of ecological assessments, reports, and advice for a range of projects. Act as habitats and botanical practice/technical lead.
• Lead client-facing work, acting as the main point of contact for key clients and representing the company at meetings, site visits, and stakeholder discussions.
• Manage and mentor a small team of ecologists, providing technical guidance, coaching, and professional development support.
• Oversee protected species survey design, licensing, and mitigation strategies, ensuring adherence to relevant legislation (e.g., Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Habitats Regulations).
• Lead Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations, and other survey and assessments.
• Provide quality assurance for reports and other deliverables.
• Assist Directors in developing company strategy, workflow management, and team resource planning.
• Undertake fieldwork as required, including habitat assessments and surveys for protected species.
• Support business development through proposal writing, tender submissions, and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Promote high professional standards and contribute to continuous improvement across the team.