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Principal Ecologists

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TACP is seeking an experienced and motivated principal ecologist to join our established and growing environmental consultancy team. The successful candidate will play a key role in leading ecological projects, delivering high-quality  technical work, and providing expert advice to clients across infrastructure, planning, and development sectors.

This role is ideal for a principal ecologist with strong botany ID skills, one or more protected species licences with experience of delivering the role of Named Ecologist, and substantial experience in preparing Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and Environmental Statements (ES). You will lead ecological inputs to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), oversee survey programmes, project manage and carry out technical sign-off of documents. Ensure projects are delivered to a high technical standard and in compliance with relevant legislation and best practice. An important component of the role is to work alongside our existing principal ecologists providing support, direction, guidance and encouraging the professional development of the ecology team.

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Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage ecological projects from tender through to successful completion.

  • Write and provide technical review for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and ecological input into Environmental Statements.

  • Lead and contribute to Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) including screening, appropriate assessment, IROPI and mitigation strategies.

  • Design and oversee large scale and complex ecological survey programmes.

  • Prepare and review high-quality technical reports, ecological design and mitigation strategies.

  • Hold protected species licences and act as Named Ecologist on protected species licences

  • Manage and mentor ecological staff.

  • Provide strategic ecological advice to clients, planning authorities, and project teams.

  • Support business development including proposal writing and client relationship management.

  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, planning policy, and best practice guidance.

  • Consultation and management of statutory bodies.

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Essential Requirements

  • ​Degree (or higher) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.

  • Significant professional experience in ecological consultancy.

  • NRW bat licence   and/or NE bat licence (Class Licence CL18 Level 2)

  • Detailed experience delivering Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).

  • Demonstrable experience contributing to or leading the ecological components of EIA as part of Environmental Statements (ES)

  • Full membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (MCIEEM or eligible). 

  • Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and ecological best practice.

  • Excellent report writing, and communication skills.

  • Experience managing teams and mentoring staff.

  • Full UK driving licence.

 

Desirable Skills and Experience

  • Chartered Ecologist status (CEcol) or working towards it.

  • FISC level 4

  • Experience acting as a technical lead on large infrastructure or renewable energy projects.

  • Additional protected species licences.

  • Tree climbing qualifications and experience.

  • Public Inquiry/Expert witness experience

  • Experience in calculating and reporting on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and Net Benefit for Biodiversity.

  • Design and report on habitat condition surveys. 

  • Commercial awareness and experience managing project budgets.

  • Business development.

 

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How to Apply

 

Please email your CV with covering letter to admin@tacp.co.uk

If you have any queries telephone: 029 20228966

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