Principal Ecologist - Planning Job in Southampton, Hampshire - £45,000 - £60,000

Hybrid and remote working, leadership role, and strong environmental project pipeline

Job Summary

Principal Ecologist Job Southampton offers a senior leadership role within the planning and environmental sector. This position is based in Southampton, Hampshire with flexible remote working available. You will lead ecological input across a range of environmental and development projects.

The role involves working with clients across conservation, water, and energy sectors. You will balance ecological protection with development requirements across project lifecycles. This Principal Ecologist Job Southampton provides exposure to complex multidisciplinary projects across the UK.

You will manage project delivery, mentor team members, and support business growth. The position combines technical ecology expertise with leadership and client engagement responsibilities. It suits candidates seeking progression within a consultancy environment focused on sustainability.

About the Company

This established consultancy operates within the environmental and built environment sectors. The organisation provides ecological and environmental advisory services across terrestrial and aquatic projects. Their work spans conservation, infrastructure, water, and energy industries. The team consists of multidisciplinary specialists delivering evidence based solutions.

The company maintains a strong reputation for high quality technical output. Their approach focuses on balancing development needs with environmental protection. Employees benefit from collaborative working and structured professional development. The organisation continues to expand its ecological services across the UK. Hunter Dunning is managing this opportunity on a confidential basis.

Role & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior leadership to support business growth and define strategic direction for ecology services
• Lead and mentor a team of ecologists to deliver high quality technical reports and project outputs
• Manage ecological projects from inception to completion ensuring programme and quality standards are met
• Engage with clients to maintain relationships and secure new project opportunities across sectors
• Participate in business development activities and networking events to support consultancy growth
• Oversee compliance with health and safety requirements across fieldwork and project delivery
• Provide technical ecological advice on protected species surveys and mitigation strategies
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the ecology team and wider consultancy

Skills & Experience Required

• Strong knowledge of UK ecology and environmental legislation across terrestrial environments
• Experience delivering protected species surveys and mitigation strategies on development projects
• Proven experience managing ecological consultancy projects and client portfolios
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience mentoring and developing junior ecologists
• Background working within a consultancy environment delivering ecological services
• Natural England protected species licence or equivalent technical expertise preferred
• Professional membership with CIEEM or chartered status is strongly desirable
• Full UK driving licence with ability to travel for site visits and project requirements

Salary & Benefits

• Salary range between £45,000 and £60,000 depending on experience and level
• Hybrid and remote working options to support flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced annual leave allowance with option to buy or sell additional days
• Professional memberships supported to encourage career development and accreditation
• Mileage reimbursement at 45 pence per mile for business related travel
• Cycle to work scheme and additional employee benefits package

Who Is This Role Ideal For?

This role suits a Principal Ecologist seeking leadership within a consultancy environment. It is ideal for candidates with strong technical expertise in UK ecology. Individuals who enjoy managing teams and delivering complex projects will benefit from this role.

The position suits professionals confident working across multidisciplinary project environments. Candidates should be comfortable balancing technical delivery with client engagement responsibilities. Strong organisational skills are essential for managing multiple projects effectively.

The role also suits individuals seeking flexible or remote working arrangements. This Principal Ecologist Job Southampton supports long term career progression within environmental consultancy.

About Hunter Dunning

Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long-term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market.

We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety and wider construction roles. We offer informed and confidential discussions for both clients and candidates and welcome conversations about this opportunity and your wider career plans within the built environment.

Apply

If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time.

We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies. In accordance with GDPR, by applying for this position you give us your consent to process your data in-line with our Privacy and Data Protection Policies which can be read on the privacy policy page on our website.

Referral

Did you know we run a referral scheme? We pay a £1000 referral bonus if you introduce us to anyone who we then successfully place in a new job role. Just send us their information and we’ll do the rest.

Terms: A candidate is deemed successfully placed once they have started a new job from a Hunter Dunning introduction and completed probation. See website for full terms & conditions.

Principal Ecologist Job in Southampton – Your Property Recruitment Specialists ( Job Ref: 15029 )