Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive salary package

About the Role
Ricardo Energy & Environment is a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company with over 100 years of engineering excellence. We employ close to 3,000 people across more than 20 countries, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to complex challenges. 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 junior staff and delivering expert aquatic ecology investigations across all project stages including bidding, feasibility, optioneering, field surveys, detailed design, and assessment.

You will contribute to the production and review of consents such as Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments, Drought Permits, and Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) assessments. The role requires strong organisational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients to deliver projects on time and within budget. 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.

Joining Ricardo means becoming part of a diverse and inclusive culture where your expertise and passion will help deliver innovative solutions that support safer and more sustainable communities globally. We offer flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance and a comprehensive benefits package focused on wellbeing and professional development.

Experience
- Extensive experience leading and reviewing aquatic ecology assessments and supporting surveys within the UK water industry.
- Proven track record in managing multiple projects and proposals concurrently.
- Strong knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation, planning policies, licensing requirements, and best practice survey techniques.
- Experience leading Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments.
- Good understanding of Water Framework Directive assessments, particularly biological metrics and indices.
- Demonstrable specialist knowledge in fisheries, macroinvertebrate, or macrophyte ecology is preferable.
- Skilled in planning and coordinating field surveys, analysing results, and ecological mitigation works.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce accurate technical reports and engage confidently with clients and stakeholders.

About you
- A self-starter with excellent team working and communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritise workload effectively.
- Proactive, self-motivated thinker with close attention to detail.
- Ability to manage and support technical input into proposals.
- Flexible and adaptable to business needs.
- Committed to upholding client and stakeholder relationships with professionalism.

Qualifications
- A first degree in a relevant environmental discipline is essential.
- A postgraduate degree is highly desirable.