Principal Ecologist
Principal Ecologist – UK Wide Opportunities
The Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to join our Advisory business—a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates diversity and delivers meaningful impact across the UK. We welcome applications from candidates based anywhere in the UK.
The Role
As a Principal Ecologist, you will play a key leadership role within our Advisory team and alongside clients. You will act as a technical lead, providing expert guidance, advice, and supervision to technical teams, operational managers, clients, and suppliers.
You will influence and manage multidisciplinary teams across projects and locations, and may also take on people management responsibilities where required. This role combines technical excellence, commercial awareness, and leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a technical leader, supporting and guiding teams and stakeholders
- Lead and review ecological surveys and technical documentation, ensuring delivery to quality, cost, and programme requirements
- Manage project budgets and drive commercial performance within your portfolio
- Engage with clients and suppliers, including presenting proposals at a senior level
- Lead and contribute to bids, preparing technical and commercial submissions
- Undertake site work where required, including occasional out-of-hours working
- Provide people management support when needed
What You’ll Bring
- Full membership of CIEEM (or equivalent) and Chartered Ecologist/Environmental status
- Strong experience within the ecological sector, including protected species surveys
- EPS mitigation licence application experience; licence holder (or working towards), particularly for bats or dormice
- Knowledge of invasive species survey and management
- Excellent understanding of ecological processes, survey methods, and relevant legislation
- Ability to deliver robust, compliant ecological solutions
- Experience of risk assessment, health & safety, and CDM regulations
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Ecology, Zoology, Biology, Environmental Science or related field
What We Offer
At Amey, our people are our greatest asset. We offer flexibility, career development, and a wide range of benefits designed to support your professional and personal wellbeing. These include:
- Competitive salary and generous pension
- 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Flexible benefits, including additional leave options and wellbeing support
- Exceptional training and career progression opportunities
- Retail discounts, Cycle2Work scheme, and gym membership offers
- Family-friendly policies and inclusive employee networks
- Two paid volunteering days each year
About Us
Amey is a leading infrastructure consultancy and operations partner. We deliver advisory, design, engineering, and operational solutions across transport, infrastructure, and defence—helping create sustainable, resilient, and high-value outcomes.