Location
Exeter

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. With over 34,000 people across more than 30 countries, we are dedicated to improving quality of life by solving complex challenges together. As a Principal Ecologist, you will join a team of over 50 ecologists with more than 30 years of experience in ecological surveys, assessments, and advice on soil, land use, hydrology, sustainable drainage, arboriculture, ecosystem services, natural capital assessment, biodiversity strategies, metrics, and cultural heritage.

You will work on a diverse portfolio of projects including Urban and Greenfield Residential Development, Highway and Rail Schemes, Power Stations, Electrical and Gas Infrastructure, serving a wide range of public and private clients such as EDF Energy, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Natural Resources Wales, National Grid, Environment Agency, Transport for London, Highways England, Network Rail, Canal and River Trust, Housing Associations, and various Local Authorities.

In this role, you will help improve quality of life by applying your expertise in environmental management, technical or sustainability disciplines. Your work may involve protected species, pollution, surface water and materials management, air quality, or noise, often in some of the world’s busiest and most beautiful locations. You will contribute to protecting the natural environment and water resources while supporting sustainable development in the face of climate change, urbanization, and biodiversity loss.

As part of the Environmental team, you will be accountable for quality control, coordination, and completion of assigned tasks and projects. You will lead and manage project delivery to meet time, budgetary, and SHEQ targets, managing ecological aspects of client relationships to exceed expectations. You will provide leadership and technical advice within the team and projects, supported by personal development opportunities and mentorship from industry-recognised Technical Leaders.

Experience
Detailed knowledge of ecological principles, biodiversity metrics, and relevant environmental and ecological impact assessment (EcIA) legislation, policy, and guidance. In-depth knowledge of particular plant or animal groups and appropriate field survey skills. Proven track record in writing and delivering Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), and Ecology Chapters for Environmental Statements that have been successfully consented. Experience in writing project and/or plan-level Habitat Regulation Assessments (HRAs). Excellent commercial and project management skills across a range of project sizes. Proven experience in bid production and client interaction. Ability to line manage and potentially lead a team. Holds survey and/or mitigation/conservation licenses. Leads in the design and compliance of biosecurity and health and safety protocols.

About you
You are a confident leader and technical expert who can manage multiple projects and client relationships effectively. You are committed to delivering high-quality ecological consultancy services and are motivated to develop your career through continuous learning and mentorship. You are adaptable and able to work across diverse environmental disciplines and locations. You hold a full member status of CIEEM and are a Chartered Environmentalist/Ecologist or demonstrably approaching Chartered Ecologist. You have the ability to travel when necessary.

Qualifications
Full member of CIEEM. Chartered Environmentalist/Ecologist status or demonstrably approaching Chartered Ecologist. Relevant ecological survey and mitigation/conservation licenses.