Principal Ecologist
Salary/Rate:£40,000 - £50,000 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_1766501264
Post Date:23. 12. 2025
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Meet Our Recruiter
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.
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