Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive salary package

About the Role
Ricardo Energy & Environment, a member of WSP, 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 seeking a Principal Consultant – Ecology to join our team, providing technical leadership and support across a diverse range of ecology projects for clients in the water, developer, infrastructure, and public sectors. In this role, you will lead ecology surveys and impact assessments, contribute to business development and proposal writing, and apply your expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). You will work collaboratively within a busy, multidisciplinary team and have the opportunity to develop your career within a supportive and inclusive environment.

Working Here
At Ricardo Energy & Environment, you will be welcomed into a culture where every voice matters. We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging you to use your passion and expertise to make a positive impact on communities worldwide. We offer flexible working arrangements including home, office, or hybrid options to support your work-life balance. Wellbeing is central to our culture, enabling you to flourish and reach your full potential.

Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days' annual leave plus 8 flexible bank holidays, a competitive pension scheme, life assurance, professional subscriptions reimbursement, and a range of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle. Support for physical and mental health is a key part of our offering.

Experience
- Degree in Ecology or equivalent experience
- Proven experience as a technical lead on a variety of ecology projects
- Holder of at least one UK protected species licence and mitigation licences as lead ecologist
- Strong knowledge of UK Habitat survey methods, habitat condition assessments, Defra Biodiversity Metric, and Biodiversity Net Gain plans
- Full UK driving licence
- GIS skills
- Experience managing team resourcing

Desirable Experience
- Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) full membership or working towards it
- Building and maintaining client relationships
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
- Understanding of EIA, HRA, and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

About You
You are a self-starter comfortable working in a fast-paced, challenging environment. Excellent team working and communication skills are essential, along with a strong attention to detail and sound understanding of ecological principles. You will be motivated to make a meaningful impact and develop your career within a supportive and dynamic organisation.