Lead Technical Ecologist

Role purpose

We are seeking an experienced Lead Technical Ecologist to act as the company’s senior authority on ecological planning policy and technical interpretation. This role sits slightly apart from day‑to‑day project ecology delivery and is intentionally positioned as a specialist, trusted advisor providing high‑level technical and policy guidance across the business.

The post holder will report directly to the Director and operate with a high degree of autonomy, acting as the internal point of reference on complex planning, policy, legislative interpretation and strategic judgement, while also contributing to winning and shaping work.

Key responsibilities

Technical leadership & planning expertise

• Act as a senior technical lead on complex ecological projects, particularly those involving planning, policy and strategic assessment.
• Lead and review Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats
• Regulations Assessments (HRA), ES Chapters, BNG strategies and associated mitigation and enhancement design.
• Provide robust, defensible advice on legislation, policy and best practice, including the Habitats Regulations, Wildlife and Countryside Act, NPPF and relevant local plan policy.
• Lead or contribute to Local Plan evidence, SPD preparation, LPA frameworks and strategic ecology commissions.
• Provide expert input to planning appeals, hearings and inquiries; expert witness experience is desirable.
• Act as an internal technical mentor, supporting and upskilling colleagues across grades.

Local Planning Authority interface

• Work confidently with LPAs, statutory consultees and other stakeholders, understanding both development management and plan‑making processes.
• Review and respond to planning consultations, ecological submissions and BNG metrics on behalf of LPAs or clients where required.
• Build trusted relationships with planners, ecologists and decision‑makers.

Commercial & business development

• Play an active role in winning work, including responding to enquiries, preparing fee proposals and contributing to tenders.
• Maintain and grow a personal client base alongside supporting wider business development objectives.
• Scope projects realistically, balancing technical risk, programme and commercial considerations.
• Support project delivery to ensure work is completed on time, within budget and to a high standard.
• Contribute to strategic discussions around service development, market positioning and future opportunities.

Project & people leadership

• Lead or oversee project delivery teams on larger or more complex commissions.
• Provide clear direction, proportionate review and constructive feedback.
  Support line management and progression of senior and mid‑level ecologists where appropriate.
• Champion high professional standards, wellbeing and a collaborative team culture.

Essential experience & skills

• Significant experience in planning‑led ecology, with a strong track record of working with or within Local Planning Authorities.
• Proven ability to lead and author complex technical outputs (EcIA, HRA, ES Chapters, BNG strategies).
• Sound professional judgement and confidence in making and defending decisions.
• Strong understanding of UK ecological legislation, planning policy and guidance.
• Experience of managing projects and contributing to commercial delivery.
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including engagement with planners, clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to balance technical rigour with pragmatic, solution‑focused advice.

Desirable experience

• Expert witness experience at appeal, inquiry or examination.
• Direct experience of Local Plan preparation, SPDs or strategic mitigation strategies.
• Framework or retained LPA support work.
• Experience of mentoring senior staff and shaping technical standards.

Qualifications & membership

• Relevant degree (and/or postgraduate qualification) in ecology or a related discipline.
• Full or Associate membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to attain).
• Protected species licences where relevant.

What we offer

• A genuinely influential senior role with scope to shape both technical direction and commercial growth.
• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive, values‑led culture.
• Opportunities to work on high‑profile and meaningful projects across the South West and beyond.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus benefits.