Location
County Hall - E4 zone 3, Chelmsford (Hybrid working: 1-2 days per week in the office or across operational area depending on business need)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Up to £57,095 per annum plus benefits and local government pension

About the Role
Essex County Council offers a fantastic opportunity to lead, influence, and deliver ecological excellence at scale within a dynamic local authority. Place Services is a multi-disciplinary consultancy providing expert environmental and planning services to local authorities and public sector clients. As a Principal Ecological Consultant, you will act as an authoritative subject matter expert, co-leading and shaping the ecology offer alongside two existing Principals. This senior role requires advanced technical expertise, substantial post-qualification experience, strong professional accreditation (including Full Membership of CIEEM), and a deep understanding of relevant legislation, policy, standards, and guidance.
You will take ownership of a diverse and challenging portfolio, leading complex development management consultations and delivering high-quality ecological assessments such as PEAR, HRA, and EcIA. Your expertise will cover habitat and species management, habitat creation, and the design and delivery of protected species surveys using both established and innovative approaches to achieve evidence-based outcomes.
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in planning and development management, preferably from a Local Planning Authority perspective. You will lead and coordinate specialist teams, managing large-scale and complex projects from concept to completion. Confidently analysing, interpreting, and presenting complex ecological data using tools including GIS, you will inform robust decision-making and ensure regulatory compliance.
Alongside technical leadership, you will bring strong commercial awareness, contributing to business development, bid-winning, and managing high-value client relationships. You will be an accomplished communicator, able to influence, negotiate, and build trusted partnerships while ensuring projects are delivered to budget, specification, and performance expectations.
You will also foster a high-performing and supportive team culture, leading, mentoring, and developing colleagues while promoting wellbeing, health and safety, and continuous professional growth. Your leadership will strengthen the capability of the team and the ongoing success and reputation of Place Services.
The role requires mobility throughout the operational area; therefore, a driving licence and access to a vehicle or alternative means to meet mobility requirements are essential.

Experience
Substantial post-qualification experience in ecology, with advanced technical expertise in ecological assessments and development management consultations. Proven track record in habitat and species management, habitat creation, and protected species surveys. Experience working within or alongside Local Planning Authorities is preferred.
Strong commercial awareness with experience in business development, bid-winning, and client relationship management.
Proven leadership skills managing large-scale, complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.

About you
Authoritative subject matter expert with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Confident in analysing, interpreting, and presenting complex ecological data.
Committed to fostering a supportive team culture, mentoring colleagues, and promoting wellbeing and professional growth.
Flexible and mobile, able to work across the operational area as required.
Strong ethical standards and commitment to integrity in line with organisational values.

Qualifications
Full Membership of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management) or equivalent professional accreditation.
Valid driving licence and access to a vehicle or ability to meet mobility requirements of the role.