PRINCIPAL ECOLOGIST,

BSG Ecology Ltd; Newport; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy in Newport is seeking a motivated Principal Ecologist to manage projects and mentor staff. The ideal candidate will have extensive ecological consultancy experience with a strong interest in ornithology and project management. Responsibilities include guiding projects in renewable energy and ensuring compliance with wildlife legislation. A competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and various employee benefits are offered, including private healthcare and training opportunities.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Company-funded social events

Long service rewards

Health and wellbeing benefits

Training and career development

Qualifications

• At least six years full-time experience in ecological consultancy.
• Wide ecological survey experience including protected species licensing.
• Ability to mentor and manage staff and represent the office.

Responsibilities

• Mentor staff and manage projects.
• Direct a range of projects for the Newport office.
• Provide clear written advice and resolve ecological issues.

Skills

Ecological consultancy experience

Project management

Mentoring and managing staff

Knowledge of wildlife legislation

Data analysis and interpretation

Business development interest

Education

Relevant BSc and/or MSc

Full membership of CIEEM

Job description

Overview

Principal Ecologist, Newport – £45,000 – £55,000 (35 hr week)

The Opportunity

We are looking for a motivated Principal Ecologist to join our well-established Newport team. The role will involve mentoring staff, managing and technically directing a range of projects for the Newport office as well as working with the Directors and other Principal Ecologists company wide, as part of the Senior Management Group.

We are particularly looking for more experienced candidates with a specialist interest in ornithology and an aptitude for project management. We have a very strong renewable energy portfolio in Wales and this requires detailed programmes of bird survey.

In addition to a competitive salary and 25 days (excluding bank holidays) annual leave, we offer benefits that include private healthcare, company-funded social events, long service rewards and health and wellbeing benefits.

• We are a 100% employee-owned company. We have taken the positive step to employee-ownership to help us to ensure that the company remains independent for the long-term and that the interests and values of the business are maintained for the benefit of current and future employees.
• We are a multi-award winning, highly respected, industry leading consultancy with a strong reputation for technical ability amongst our clients and fellow professionals.
• All our ecologists have the opportunity to work on projects across a wide range of sectors including heritage, renewable energy, residential, leisure and minerals and with a diverse range of clients.
• We are committed to investing in training and career development. We have a structured programme of internal training for new starters that is complemented by additional external training and mentoring.
• Health and safety and staff wellbeing are at the forefront of everything we do. We recognise the importance of maintaining a good work life balance. We do this through careful resourcing of work, the implementation of robust TOIL policies and flexible working arrangements.
• We have sophisticated cloud-based project management and tailored GIS systems, allowing us to work across offices and remotely.

What we are looking for

An Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Relevant professional ecological experience (ideally including at least six years full-time experience working in ecological consultancy)
• A wide range of ecological survey experience including European Protected Species licensing.
• The ability to mentor and manage other staff, organise the team and represent the office in company wide discussions.
• Experience of various aspects of project management, including financial management.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the planning system and current wildlife legislation.
• The ability to analyse and interpret data, to provide clear and concise written advice, to technically review a variety of written outputs, and to resolve complex ecological issues.
• The desire to promote high standards in ecology and an interest in and aptitude for business development.
• Full membership of CIEEM (CEcol would be advantageous) and a good BSc and/or MSc in a relevant subject.

How to Apply

Please send a CV along with a covering letter detailing why you are interested in the role to Rowena Scott-Campbell ([e-mail]) by Monday 13th October 2025.