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Principal Ecologist

 Cambridge, Eastern England

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Cambridge, Eastern England 109 The Print Rooms London SE1 0LH Mattinson Partnership Principal Ecologist Apply Now

Reference #: 23003_1754384902
Location: Cambridge, Eastern England
Salary: £45000 - £55000 per annum
Sector: Environment & Water
Type: Permanent
Posted On: 05/08/2025

The Role

Are you an experienced Ecologist ready to take the next step in your career? Do you want to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects that deliver real biodiversity gains and help shape a more sustainable future?

We're working with a leading UK environmental consultancy to find a Senior or Principal Ecologist to join their thriving team in Cambridge. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary ecology practice known for innovation, collaboration, and its award-winning work on high-profile projects.


You'll be a key figure in the team, delivering and leading ecological input on a wide range of projects across infrastructure, transport, energy, and development sectors. Working in a hybrid capacity, you'll collaborate with ecologists, environmental planners, engineers, and other specialists to design and implement nature-based solutions that contribute to biodiversity net gain, climate resilience, and sustainable land use.

Responsibilities

  • Leading ecological workstreams on major infrastructure and development projects
  • Managing project programmes, budgets, and resources
  • Designing and coordinating field surveys, ecological mitigation and assessments
  • Producing and reviewing technical reports (PEAs, EcIAs, HRA, BNG assessments)
  • Mentoring and supporting junior staff
  • Supporting bid writing and business development activities
  • Engaging with clients and stakeholders to provide high-quality ecological advice

What We're Looking For

  • Significant experience as a Senior or Principal Ecologist in the UK
  • Strong botanical ID skills (FISC Level 4+ or equivalent desirable)
  • Proven experience with Biodiversity Net Gain and UKHab surveys
  • Knowledge of the Development Consent Order (DCO) process (desirable)
  • Protected species survey licenses (advantageous)
  • CIEEM membership (full or eligible), chartered status (CEnv/CEcol) preferred
  • Excellent report writing and project management skills
  • Full UK driving licence

Why Join

  • Work on nationally significant, award-winning projects
  • Join a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking team
  • Flexible, hybrid working with strong support for work-life balance
  • Access to professional development and chartership support
  • Contribute to innovative solutions in biodiversity and climate change

If you think you have the required experience to fit this role, please click 'Apply' below to submit your cv for review. If you have any questions about this or other roles, contact Euan McLeod on 02079602552. We also offer £250 for successfully placed referrals, so if you have any friends/colleagues that are looking for work, put them in touch!

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Principal Ecologist (#23003_1754384902)

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London Wildlife Trust.

We are proud partners of The London Wildlife Trust, a charity dedicated to protecting the wildlife and wild spaces of London by driving environmental projects throughout the city. Our team often get involved at ground level in Wild Workdays by helping to maintain and restore treasured spaces and land… we love to get our hands dirty! We also run multiple interactive workshops, providing their conservation trainees with invaluable career advice and insights into the environmental sector to prepare them for employment. Most recently, we worked with young people taking part in their Keeping it Wild programme, which engages young people from backgrounds currently under-represented in nature conservation.



Royal Town Planning Institute.

The RTPI represents planning professionals in the UK and Ireland and aims to encourage the development of vibrant and prosperous places and communities. Our Senior Consultant Freddie enthusiastically attends the annual Planning Convention, and we host several events throughout the year to show our support, including drinks networking and a literal pub quiz. We also keep in close contact with our friends down under, at the Planning Institute Australia and New Zealand Planning Institute. In addition, we sponsor the London Planning Summit, an event designed to address the biggest challenges facing the industry. This is our opportunity to stay on top of the latest changes in town planning by meeting with other key professionals in the sector, while celebrating our achievements.



Land Securities Group Plc.

One of our clients, LandSec, are the clever people behind Girls Can Do It Too, an initiative designed to encourage girls to consider a career in construction. Currently, only 11% of the construction workforce are female, and LandSec are attempting to increase this number by providing education and engagement projects and workshops for girls aged 11-13. Featuring workshops on demolition and tower building, as well as challenging the girls to design a planning project of their own (with a focus on budgeting and environmental considerations), LandSec have proven their dedication to addressing the need for diversity in this very male dominated industry. Ruth assists the project by sharing her fascinating insights into the industry and is even on the project judging panel!



Urban Land Institute.

In partnership with Urban Land Institute we are able to play an imperative role in creating a larger and more diverse pool of candidates within the planning & property professions. Working in schools we take part in the Urban Plan Educational workshops programme, which has now reached more than 2,500 pupils in 100 schools since its launch. Alongside more than 200 industry volunteers engaged across the country, we provide invaluable industry & careers advice to students while guiding them through their workshops and helping judge their presentations.



Carbon Footprint.

Carbon FootprintTM works to help organisations offset their CO2 through tree planting and community projects worldwide. By partnering with Carbon FootprintTM, we have planted native trees and shrubs such as Whitebeam, Hazel, Field Maple, Silver Birch, Rowan, Beech, Blackthorn, Holly and Dog Rose to create a Mattinson Forest that spreads across South East England. Carbon FootprintTM work in conjunction with the Florestal Santa Maria Project (FSM-Redd Project), designed to reduce deforestation in the Amazonian Rainforest. So, for every tree we plant in the UK we guarantee a tonne of CO₂ offset in Brazil too. Carbon FootprintTM have allowed us to not only do our bit for the environment but also commemorate moments of growth for our clients and candidates.