Location
Midhurst, West Sussex

Hours
Full Time (flexible working available subject to business needs)

Salary
£49,688 per annum

About the Role
Are you an experienced ecological consultant ready to play a prominent role in the South Downs National Park Authority’s mission to accelerate nature recovery across one of England’s most iconic landscapes through delivering high-integrity environmental outcomes? The South Downs National Park Authority is seeking a Principal Ecologist (Commercial) to provide expert ecological and biodiversity advice, lead high-quality technical work, and support the growth of our emerging ecological consultancy offer. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver services across Biodiversity Net Gain, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, habitat surveys, ArcGIS mapping, compliance monitoring, and nature recovery scheme design.

You will ensure commercial ecological work is technically robust, professionally assured, and aligned with statutory requirements, best practice, and the Authority’s wider ambitions for nature restoration. Responsibilities include leading and reviewing Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, preparing clear and defensible reports, developing Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans, producing high-quality spatial outputs, and advising clients, landowners, planning authorities, and partners on ecological requirements and outcomes.

The role also contributes to legal agreements securing long-term land-use change for nature recovery, including section 106 agreements and Conservation Covenants. You will join a purpose-driven organisation working at the heart of the South Downs, helping to grow practical, high-integrity ecological services that support nature recovery, climate resilience, and thriving landscapes.

Other organisations may refer to this role as Senior Ecologist, Lead Ecologist, Consultant Ecologist, Senior Ecological Consultant, Principal Ecological Consultant, Ecology Consultant, Senior Ecology Consultant, Ecology Manager, or Ecology Lead.

Experience
Strong experience in ecological consultancy or a similar environment-sector role. Excellent technical knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), UKHab, habitat condition assessment, and relevant regulatory frameworks. Confident skills in ArcGIS Pro and digital field workflows. Proven ability to lead and manage multiple projects while maintaining accuracy, quality, and commercial awareness.

About you
A clear communicator and collaborative professional with strong project management skills. Able to work across multiple projects and stakeholders, delivering technically robust and professionally assured ecological advice. Passionate about nature recovery and environmental outcomes, with a commitment to high standards and best practice.

Qualifications
Relevant ecological or environmental qualifications are expected, alongside demonstrable expertise in biodiversity metrics, habitat surveys, and ecological consultancy standards.