Principal Ecologist

Assystem is a global engineering and digital services company that plays a key role in large infrastructure projects, especially those related to complex, highly regulated industries. In the infrastructure sector, Assystem works across various domains to support the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of critical infrastructure.

As global challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development intensify, the role of ecological expertise has never been more critical. Our growing ecology practice is at the forefront of delivering practical solutions that promote environmental resilience, biodiversity conservation, and responsible land use.

We support a wide range of projects—from infrastructure development and renewable energy to habitat restoration and environmental planning—by integrating ecological principles into every phase of design and decision-making. Our team of ecologists work closely with clients, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that development and conservation go hand in hand.

With a strong focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and long-term ecological health, we are committed to advancing a more sustainable and nature-positive future.

Are you ready to lead at a strategic level and shape the ecological direction of major infrastructure and development projects? At Assystem UK, you will step into a senior leadership role within our Ecology Consultancy team, influencing projects from early planning through to construction and operation while driving the growth and performance of the ecology practice itself.

The Role

As a Principal Ecologist, you will provide senior technical leadership, quality assurance and trusted client advice across complex, multidisciplinary project environments. You will work closely with clients, principal contractors and engineering teams, often embedded within live delivery settings where sound judgement, commercial awareness and clear direction are essential.

You will ensure ecological risks are managed effectively, standards remain high and projects are delivered successfully both technically and commercially. Beyond project oversight, you will lead people, shape strategy and champion best practice across the ecology discipline.

What You Will Be Doing:

Team and Practice Leadership

• Lead, mentor and manage a team of ecologists across senior, mid-level and junior grades
  
  

• Align team resourcing with project demands, managing workloads and supporting recruitment where needed
  
  

• Promote best practice in ecology, health and safety, quality assurance and legislative compliance
  
  

• Drive continuous improvement and technical excellence across the ecology practice
  
  

Project Oversight and Technical Direction

• Oversee ecological delivery across housing, infrastructure, renewables and energy projects
  
  

• Provide strategic ecological direction through planning, consenting and construction phases
  
  

• Lead and quality assure surveys, assessments, mitigation strategies and technical reports
  
  

• Provide high-level technical review of EIAs, HRAs, mitigation strategies and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
  
  

• Oversee construction-phase compliance with wildlife legislation, licence conditions and mitigation commitments
  
  

• Lead protected species mitigation strategies and EPS licence preparation and delivery
  
  

• Investigate ecological incidents and implement proactive portfolio-wide risk management measures
  
  

Strategic and Commercial Management

• Develop and implement growth plans aligned with wider business objectives
  
  

• Lead or support tenders, fee proposals, client presentations and framework bids
  
  

Stakeholder and Client Engagement

• Act as a senior point of contact for clients, regulators, collaborators and partners
  
  

• Build and maintain strong professional networks to support business development
  
  

• Represent the ecology discipline internally and externally at industry events and forums
  
  

• Provide confident leadership within multidisciplinary coordination and client environments
  
  

What You Will Bring

You will hold a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline, supported by significant experience in applied ecological consultancy and leadership of complex infrastructure projects. You will also bring:

• Two European Protected Species licences
  
  

• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and best practice including EIA, HRA and BNG
  
  

• Extensive experience managing teams, budgets and multidisciplinary project delivery
  
  

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, with Full Membership required if not already held
  
  

• Proven ability to deliver strategic, proportionate ecological solutions within complex live environments
  
  

• Excellent report writing, review and quality assurance capability
  
  

• Strong commercial awareness, business planning insight and client engagement skills
  
  

• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites
  
  

Desirable Experience

• A Full or Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
  
  

• Highly experienced in Ecological Clerk of Works duties and construction-phase leadership on major infrastructure schemes
  
  

• Experienced in Biodiversity Net Gain strategy and planning tools such as UKHab
  
  

• An established line manager and mentor within consultancy environments
  
  

If you are looking for a leadership role where you can influence strategy, grow a high-performing team and shape the ecological direction of nationally significant projects, this is your opportunity to make a lasting and visible impact.

Additional Experience That Would Strengthen Your Application

• Hands-on experience delivering protected species mitigation
  
  

• Involvement in large-scale infrastructure schemes, such as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects
  
  

• Working knowledge of digital ecology tools, including GIS platforms and the Biodiversity Net Gain Metric
  
  

What You Can Expect

• A senior leadership position within a well-established and expanding environmental practice
  
  

• A supportive and collaborative team culture
  
  

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
  
  

• Clear career progression pathways, dedicated training budgets and ongoing professional development support
  
  

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We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.