Principal Ecologist

Salary/Rate:£40,000 - £60,000 per annum + Healthcare, pension, holidays
Job Type:Hybrid
Contract Type:Perm
Town/City:Exeter
County:Devon
Sector:Land and Planning
Job ref:JN -082025-84157_1759499600
Post Date:03. 10. 2025
Scroll

Meet Our Recruiter

Sue Greeff
Sue Greeff
Candidate Manager - Residential development, town planning, infrastructure and renewables

About the Role

An excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist to step into a senior leadership role, delivering complex and varied projects across multiple sectors. You'll support and mentor a talented team of ecologists, while also building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, design teams, and regulators.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead on the delivery of ecological projects, including EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments, ES chapters and management plans
  • Provide expert technical advice to clients and project teams
  • Support and mentor junior and senior colleagues
  • Contribute to business development and client engagement activities
  • Maintain high professional standards while balancing commercial awareness

What You'll Bring

  • Relevant degree in ecology or related subject
  • Proven experience at Senior Ecologist level (or equivalent)
  • Strong communication and client-facing skills
  • Excellent technical report writing experience
  • Full membership of CIEEM (Chartered status desirable)
  • Commercial acumen and ability to contribute to business growth
  • Full UK driving licence

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary: £40,000 - £50,000
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Annual profit share scheme
  • Flexible working between office, home, and site
  • Ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development
  • Supportive, values-driven culture with a collaborative team environment

Why Apply?

  • Work on an exciting and varied portfolio of projects
  • Join a supportive and experienced ecology team
  • Benefit from flexible working and employee-ownership profit sharing
  • Contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes while advancing your career

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via sgreeff@cobaltrecruitment.com or 07458161399.

More jobs from this recruiter

View All

Senior to Associate Town Planner

Bristol
Remote
£40,000 - £60,000 per annum + Healthcare, pension, holidays
Looking to step up and shape the future of Bristol's built environment? We're working with a leading planning consultancy known for their innovative, design-led approach to development and regeneration. As they grow across the UK, they're looking for a talented Senior to Associate level Town Planner to help drive their Bristol office forward.

Associate Town Planner

Truro
Cornwall
£60,000 - £70,000 per annum + Healthcare, pension, holidays
An established planning consultancy is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Associate Planner to take a leading role in delivering a diverse portfolio of planning projects. This role offers the chance to work independently on a wide range of developments, manage client relationships, and contribute to business growth while mentoring junior colleagues.

Senior Town Planner

Harrogate
North Yorkshire
£40,000 - £50,000 per annum + Healthcare, pension, holidays
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious planner to take the next step in their career, working on high-quality rural and countryside projects that shape sustainable development. You'll join a supportive and collaborative team that values innovation, professional growth, and work-life balance.

Associate Director

Harrogate
North Yorkshire
£50,000 - £60,000 per annum + Healthcare, pension, holidays
Join a values-driven consultancy where collaboration, creativity, and balance underpin everything. You'll have the autonomy to shape major rural planning projects, influence strategic decisions, and develop your career within a supportive, people-focused environment.