Principal Ecologist
About this role
Principal Ecologist
Permanent, Full Time
Salary up to £57,095 per annum + benefits and local gov pension
Location: Chelmsford*
Closing Date: 30th November 2026
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
*This is a hybrid-working role. You will work from the Chelmsford office and/or across our operational area 1-2 days per week, depending on business need. This can be discussed further at interview.
Fantastic opportunity to lead, influence, and deliver ecological excellence at scale within a dynamic local authority.
Place Services is a multi-disciplinary consultancy within Essex County Council, providing expert environmental and planning services to local authorities and other public sector clients. We play a key role in enabling sustainable development, combining technical excellence with commercial awareness to deliver meaningful outcomes for communities and the natural environment.
As a Principal Ecological Consultant, you will operate as an and authoritative subject matter expert, co-leading and shaping our ecology offer alongside two existing Principals. This is a senior role requiring advanced technical expertise, underpinned by 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 on complex development management consultations and delivering high-quality ecological assessments (PEAR, HRA, EcIA). Your expertise will extend across habitat and species management, habitat creation, and the design and delivery of protected species surveys—applying both established and innovative approaches to achieve effective, evidence-based outcomes. We are particularly interested in ecologists with expertise and experience in planning and development management, preferably from a Local Planning Authority point of view.
Working at the forefront of multidisciplinary projects, you will lead and coordinate specialist teams, managing large-scale and complex projects from concept through to completion. You will confidently analyse, interpret and present complex ecological data, using a range of tools including GIS, to inform robust decision-making and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.