Location
Cambridge, with regular travel to client sites and other office locations across the region. Hybrid working with approximately 2–3 days per week office-based. Flexibility required with occasional overnight stays.

Hours
Full Time, with flexibility depending on project needs.

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Tetra Tech is seeking a Principal Ecologist to deliver high-impact ecological solutions across renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects throughout England. You will play a key role in projects ranging from onshore wind and solar to major offshore wind developments, supporting the transition to a lower-carbon future while contributing to a diverse portfolio of development work. This role involves leading complex projects, providing trusted technical advice, and supporting the growth of junior team members within a collaborative and ambitious environment.

As Principal Ecologist, you will manage a portfolio of approximately 6–10 projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery in line with UK legislation, planning policy, and ecological best practice. You will lead ecological inputs across renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure schemes, including Town and Country Planning Act developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Responsibilities include authoring and peer reviewing ecological reports, leading stakeholder engagement, managing project finances, and supporting pragmatic ecological outcomes for clients.

Your impact will be significant, influencing the quality, consistency, and commercial success of ecological work across a major portfolio. You will shape project outcomes through robust ecological assessment, practical mitigation, and effective negotiation with regulators and stakeholders. Additionally, you will contribute to team capability by mentoring junior ecologists, providing in-house training, and supporting professional development within a growing team.

Experience
- Proven track record delivering ecological solutions for major infrastructure and development/regeneration projects.
- Familiarity with UK planning frameworks such as the National Planning Policy Framework, Biodiversity Net Gain guidance, Nature Recovery Network, and local biodiversity strategies.
- Ability to manage multiple ecological projects simultaneously, including fee proposals, tenders, invoicing, and project finances.
- Experience leading stakeholder engagement and negotiation with Natural England, County Ecologists, Local Authority planning officers, and other stakeholders.
- Experience designing and delivering ecological mitigation, including protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) duties.

About you
- Forward-thinking with an interest in nature-based design, ecological resilience, and design integration.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor, support, and line manage junior ecologists.
- Collaborative team player who contributes to a positive and ambitious team culture.
- Willingness to travel regularly to sites throughout the region, including occasional overnight stays.
- Full UK driving licence insured for business purposes.

Qualifications
- Sound knowledge of the UK planning system and environmental legislation relevant to the role.
- Competence in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments.
- Ability to design and complete a range of typical ecology surveys and interpret findings to inform robust ecological assessments.
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Ecology or a closely related field (beneficial).
- CIEEM membership (beneficial).
- At least one protected species survey licence, with great crested newt and bat licences highly desirable.
- FISC Level 4 qualification highly desirable but not essential.
- Equivalent work experience may be considered where relevant.