Principal Ecologist - Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) & Habitat Banks

If you are searching for Principal Ecologist jobs in Warrington, BNG jobs in Cheshire, or senior ecology roles in the North West, this position offers the chance to make a real impact on biodiversity and sustainable development projects across the UK., As a Principal Ecologist, you will report to the Head of Nature Delivery and play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality ecological advice and Biodiversity Net Gain solutions. You will work across a range of projects involving habitat banks, ecological assessments and planning support, helping to ensure developments achieve their environmental objectives while meeting legislative and policy requirements.

The role is based in Warrington, with occasional travel to project sites throughout the UK. You will be expected to provide technical leadership, mentor colleagues and contribute to the ongoing growth of the ecology team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong background in ecology who enjoys combining field expertise with strategic project delivery and technical oversight.

Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

Applying the Statutory Biodiversity Metric to support Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and project delivery.

Producing, reviewing and quality assuring BNG calculations and ecological outputs.

Advising clients and internal teams on ecological matters throughout the planning and development process.

Carrying out habitat surveys and condition assessments using the UKHab classification system.

Managing ecological trades, including complex or time-sensitive scenarios requiring sound technical judgement.

Using GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS for mapping, data capture and analysis.

Supporting ecological baseline assessments and habitat management planning.

Acting as a technical lead for ecology projects, ensuring consistency and quality across deliverables.

Providing guidance and mentoring to junior ecologists and supporting their professional development.

Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver practical and effective environmental solutions., This Principal Ecologist role in Warrington offers an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking employer and contribute to projects that have a lasting positive impact on the natural environment.

Do you have experience in QGIS?, We are interested in speaking with candidates who have significant experience in ecological consultancy or a comparable senior role and who can demonstrate strong technical knowledge alongside leadership capabilities.

The ideal applicant will have:

-Extensive experience working in ecology, ideally at Senior or Principal level.

-Proven expertise in the Statutory Biodiversity Metric and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.

-Experience conducting habitat surveys and condition assessments using UKHab methodologies.

-A strong understanding of the relationship between ecology, planning policy and environmental legislation.

-Practical experience managing ecological trades and complex technical decisions.

-Competence in QGIS, ArcGIS or equivalent GIS software.

-Excellent communication and organisational skills.

The ability to review technical work, maintain quality standards and support project teams with confidence.

Pulled from the full job description

• Company car
• Company pension
• Private medical insurance, Competitive salary of £50,000-£55,000, depending on experience.

Private healthcare package.

Company car.

Opportunity to work on major Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat bank projects across the UK.

Supportive working environment with opportunities for progression into wider management responsibilities.

Exposure to innovative ecological projects that are shaping the future of sustainable development.

Enviro Recruitment/ Found First Recruitment is recruiting for an experienced Principal Ecologist to join a leading organisation specialising in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and habitat bank projects. This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior ecology professional looking to work on nationally significant environmental initiatives while advancing their career in a technical leadership role.