Principal Ecologist

Job Details

• Salary: £43,000 - £55,000 per annum + Hybrid, Bonus, Unlimited annual leave
• Type:
  Full Time
• Region: UK - South East
• Town/City:
  Oxford, Oxfordshire
• Posted: 19/02/2026
• Reference: 15193_

New Principal Ecologist job available with a growing independent consultancy based in Oxford. The role will support the delivery of ecology projects across the home counties, the South, and the Midlands area. This is a hybrid role and offers the opportunity to manage ecology projects from initial enquiry through to completion within a collaborative and technically focused team.

The company is a rapidly growing consultancy known for its technical expertise and commitment to delivering practical, client-focused ecological solutions. With a diverse client base across public and private sectors, the team works on projects in land development, infrastructure, and conservation across the UK. This is a great opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in their career, working within a growing ecology consultancy that values autonomy, technical quality, and a balanced approach to work.

• Lead and deliver ecology consultancy projects across the South, Midlands, and Home Counties
• Carry out Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), habitat condition assessments, and Biodiversity Impact Assessments
• Undertake protected species surveys and priority species assessments
• Prepare tenders, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and technical reporting
• Design surveys and lead field teams across a variety of project types
• Mentor and support junior team members, ensuring high standards of technical work and service delivery.

• Specialist expertise in one or more key ecological areas
• Client-facing experience and involvement in business development
• Degree or equivalent in ecology or a related field
• Membership of CIEEM (or working towards membership)
• GIS experience (QGIS or ArcGIS)

• £43,000 - £55,000, depending on experience
• Paid professional memberships
• Unlimited internal and external CPD/training budget
• Bonus scheme
• Generous pension scheme
• Unlimited annual leave
• Flexible working hours and hybrid options

If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time. We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies. In accordance with GDPR, by applying for this position you give us your consent to process your data in-line with our Privacy and Data Protection Policies which can be read on the privacy policy page on our website.

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Terms:

A candidate is deemed to have been successfully placed once they have started a new job as a result of an introduction made by Hunter Dunning and when they’ve successfully completed the probation period.

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