Principal Associate Ecologist – Utility Infrastructure

About the role

Our client, a leading UK utility and infrastructure operator, is seeking a Principal Associate Ecologist to provide in‑house ecological and arboricultural expertise across a diverse capital delivery programme. The role is initially a 24‑month fixed‑term contract within the Capital Delivery team, with the potential to become permanent.

Key responsibilities

• Provide ecological input throughout project design, planning and construction phases.
• Undertake and coordinate ecological surveys, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and protected species surveys where qualified.
• Produce technical reports such as PEAs, Ecological Constraints Plans, method statements and RAMS.
• Support biodiversity enhancement initiatives and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery.
• Deliver Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) support on site.
• Advise on ecological legislation, mitigation requirements and project risks.
• Assist with planning applications and the discharge of ecological conditions.
• Liaise with contractors, regulators and internal stakeholders to ensure ecological requirements are met.
• Contribute to habitat creation, enhancement and management planning for infrastructure projects.

Required profile

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Proven experience delivering ecological support on infrastructure, utilities or capital delivery projects.
• Arboricultural survey, mitigation or consulting experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and ecological best‑practice guidance.
• Experience undertaking PEAs and supporting BNG assessments.
• Membership of CIEEM or working towards professional membership.
• Full UK driving licence.

Required skills

• Ecological surveying (including PEAs and protected species surveys).
• Arboricultural surveying and mitigation.
• Technical report writing (PEAs, constraints plans, method statements, RAMS).
• Biodiversity Net Gain assessment.
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) provision.
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation.