Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. With over 36,000 people in more than 70 countries, we are dedicated to improving quality of life by solving complex challenges together. As a Principal Ecologist, you will join a team of over 50 ecologists with more than 30 years of experience in ecological surveys, assessments, and advice on soil, land use, hydrology, sustainable drainage, arboriculture, ecosystem services, natural capital assessment, biodiversity strategies, metrics, and cultural heritage.

You will work on a diverse portfolio of projects including Urban and Greenfield Residential Development, Highway and Rail Schemes, Power Stations, Electrical and Gas Infrastructure, serving a wide range of public and private clients across the UK such as EDF Energy, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, Natural Resources Wales, National Grid, Environment Agency, Transport for London, Highways England, Network Rail, Canal and River Trust, Housing Associations, and various Local Authorities. You may also engage in international work involving Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessments and contribute to our Natural Capital Community of Practice.

In this role, you will help improve quality of life by applying your expertise in environmental management, technical or sustainability fields. Your work may involve protected species, pollution, surface water and materials management, air quality, or noise, often in some of the world’s busiest and most beautiful locations. You will contribute to protecting the natural environment and water resources while supporting sustainable development in the face of climate change, urbanization, and biodiversity loss.

As a Principal Ecologist, you will be accountable for quality control, coordination, and completion of assigned tasks and projects within the Business Unit or project team. You will lead and manage project delivery to meet time, budgetary, and SHEQ targets, manage ecological aspects of client relationships to exceed expectations, and provide direction and technical advice within the team. Arcadis offers personal development opportunities including mentorship by industry-recognised Technical Leaders to support your career progression and success.

Experience
- Detailed knowledge of ecological principles, biodiversity metrics, and relevant environmental and ecological impact assessment (EcIA) legislation, policy, and guidance.
- In-depth knowledge of particular plant or animal groups and appropriate field survey skills.
- Proven track record in writing and delivering Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), and Ecology Chapters for Environmental Statements that have been successfully consented.
- Proven experience in writing project and/or plan-level Habitat Regulation Assessments (HRAs).
- Excellent commercial and project management skills across a range of project sizes.
- Proven experience in bid production and client interaction.
- Ability to line manage and potentially lead a team.
- Hold survey and/or mitigation/conservation licenses.
- Lead in the design and compliance of biosecurity and health and safety protocols.

About you
You are a motivated and experienced ecologist with strong leadership skills, able to manage complex projects and client relationships. You are committed to delivering high-quality ecological advice and solutions that support sustainable development and environmental protection. You are adaptable, collaborative, and eager to contribute to a diverse and skilled team.

Qualifications
- Chartered Environmentalist/Ecologist or demonstrably approaching Chartered Ecologist status.
- Full member of CIEEM.
- Ability to travel when necessary.