Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive salary and benefits package

About the Role
Ricardo Energy & Environment is a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company with over 100 years of engineering excellence. We are committed to creating a safe and sustainable world by delivering innovative and sustainable solutions across multiple sectors. We are currently seeking a Principal Consultant to join our Aquatic Ecology Team within the Water & Environment division. This role offers the opportunity to lead and develop a team of aquatic ecologists, supporting and training junior staff while delivering expert aquatic ecology investigations across all project stages including bidding, feasibility, optioneering, field survey programming, detailed design, and assessment.

You will contribute to the production of consents such as Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), Water Framework Directive (WFD), Drought Permits, and Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) assessments as a technical author or reviewer. The role requires strong organisational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients to deliver projects on budget and on schedule. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of water and environmental experts including specialists in EIA, HRA, water resources, hydro-ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, and natural capital.

Ricardo offers a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and encourages flexible working arrangements including home, office, or hybrid working. We prioritise wellbeing and work-life balance, providing a range of benefits to support your physical and mental health.

Experience
- Extensive experience as a team leader in aquatic ecology assessments and surveys within the UK water industry.
- Proven ability to lead and review Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments.
- Strong knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation, planning policies, licensing requirements, and best practice survey techniques.
- Experience in Water Framework Directive assessments, particularly biological metrics and indices.
- Skilled in planning and coordinating field surveys, analysing survey results, and ecological mitigation works.
- Specialist knowledge in fisheries, macroinvertebrate, or macrophyte ecology is preferable.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce accurate technical reports and engage confidently with clients and stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and proposals concurrently with strong organisational skills.

About you
- A proactive self-starter with excellent team working and communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and a sound understanding of ecological impact assessment.
- Proven technical reviewing skills and the ability to manage and support technical input into proposals.
- Ability to prioritise workload effectively and assist others in doing so.
- Flexible and adaptable to business needs.
- Committed to upholding client and stakeholder relationships with professionalism and integrity.

Qualifications
- A first degree in a relevant environmental discipline, ideally complemented by a postgraduate qualification.
- Relevant professional experience demonstrating technical expertise and leadership in aquatic ecology.