Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist Lead and Shape Ecological Outcomes Across the UK and Ireland

Tetra Tech RPS is seeking to recruit a Principal Ecologist to join our Planning & Environmental team. Based in our Belfast office, this role offers an exciting opportunity to lead ecological, environmental and planning project inputs across the UK and Ireland while working within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.

The position is based in a large, permanently desked office located on the edge of the city with on‑site parking, strong public transport connections, and easy access to major road networks. The role supports hybrid working, with an expectation of two to three days per week in the office to facilitate mentoring, collaboration, and team coordination. Flexible working arrangements can be accommodated where project responsibilities allow.

The multidisciplinary environment provides exposure to a wide range of significant projects, including marine, coastal, regeneration and renewable‑related developments.

As a Principal Ecologist, you will lead ecological inputs across a broad portfolio of development, infrastructure and renewable energy projects. You will take responsibility for shaping ecological strategies, providing technical oversight and ensuring that ecological considerations are fully integrated into project design, assessment and delivery. You will author, review and quality‑assure high‑level assessments, including Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitat Regulations Assessments and ecology chapters for Environmental Statements, ensuring that all outputs meet regulatory expectations and reflect current best practice.

A key part of the role will involve advising clients directly, supporting early‑stage feasibility, guiding survey strategies and providing proportionate recommendations that balance ecological protection with project viability. You will also be a visible leader within the ecology team, contributing to business development, mentoring colleagues across levels and helping to shape a high‑performing and collaborative team culture.

In this senior position, you will directly influence project outcomes by ensuring that ecological risks are identified early, scientifically robust evidence is collected, and nature‑positive opportunities are fully realized. Your leadership will help clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks and achieve planning success through transparent, defensible and proportionate ecological solutions. You will contribute to the quality, consistency and credibility of ecological work across the team, supporting a shared culture of high‑quality science, effective communication and reliable project delivery.

Your guidance and coaching of junior and mid‑career ecologists will also contribute to the long‑term capability of the team, helping develop the next generation of ecological specialists. Your influence internally and externally will support the continued growth and strengthening of Tetra Tech RPS’s ecology services across the UK and Ireland.

As a Principal Ecologist, you will bring extensive ecological knowledge and proven technical leadership. You will have a deep understanding of habitat classification, ecological impact assessment, protected species legislation and mitigation design. You will be confident in designing complex survey programmes, reviewing advanced ecological analyses and authoring or approving high‑level technical reports. Your experience in applying the Biodiversity Metric and delivering Biodiversity Net Gain solutions will be crucial in helping clients navigate evolving regulatory expectations.

You will act as a technical authority within the team, a resource that colleagues turn to for guidance, clarity and robust ecological judgement.

You will be a clear, confident and persuasive communicator who can translate ecological complexity into concise, accessible and actionable advice. You will guide clients through ecological risks and opportunities, lead discussions at meetings and act as…