A well-established and highly regarded consultancy is looking for a Principal Ecologist to join their interdisciplinary team in Surrey. The business has a strong pipeline of work across a diverse range of sectors, including renewables, infrastructure, ports, utilities, transport, coastal, maritime and flood-risk. The role also offers an exciting opportunity to support the business s expanding work across natural capital and nature-based solutions projects within the water industry. The business forms part of a wider group of environmental and engineering services, offering ample opportunity for collaboration on UK-wide projects. The successful candidate would be joining a friendly team which run regular social activities which have recently included dinners, rock climbing and overnight stays. Flexibility is at the core of the company; they are more than happy to consider flexible working options, and accommodate individuals specialisms, be it birds, botany or Biodiversity Net Gain. Roles/responsibilities: Contributing to planning and HRAs, managing all stages of the EIA process Mentoring more junior staff Helping to grow the business s national ecology team Designing habitat creation/restoration initiatives and delivering BNG Leading on a range of projects Liaising with clients, stakeholders and members of the public as necessary Experience/qualifications: Degree in a relevant discipline Chartership (or working towards this) protected species licences Full UK driving licence Consultancy experience preferable There are multiple generous benefits on offer, including: flexible working Private medical cover Life assurance Option to buy annual leave Support to attain chartership Two professional memberships paid for Annual bonus This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly-respected practice which holds the IEMA EIA Quality Mark. If you re looking to shape projects in order to maximise BNG and deliver more sustainable solutions, this is the ideal role. All conversations will be held in the stricest confidence.