Principal Ecologist

Principal EcologistLead and Shape Ecological Outcomes Across the UK and Ireland Tetra Tech RPS is seeking to recruit a Principal Ecologist to join our Planning & Environmental team. Based in our Belfast office, this role offers an exciting opportunity to lead ecological, environmental and planning project inputs across the UK and Ireland while working within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment. The position is based in a large, permanently desked office located on the edge of the city with on‑site parking, strong public transport connections and easy access to major road networks. The role supports hybrid working, with an expectation of two to three days per week in the office to facilitate mentoring, collaboration and team coordination. Flexible working arrangements can be accommodated where project responsibilities allow. The multidisciplinary environment provides exposure to a wide range of significant projects, including marine, coastal, regeneration and renewable‑related developments. Purpose and Scope of the Role As a Principal Ecologist, you will lead ecological inputs across a broad portfolio of development, infrastructure and renewable energy projects. You will take responsibility for shaping ecological strategies, providing technical oversight and ensuring that ecological considerations are fully integrated into project design, assessment and delivery. You will author, review and quality‑assure high‑level assessments, including Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitat Regulations Assessments and ecology chapters for Environmental Statements, ensuring that all outputs meet regulatory expectations and reflect current best practice. A key part of the role will involve advising clients directly, supporting early‑stage feasibility, guiding survey strategies and providing proportionate recommendations that balance ecological protection with project viability. You will also be a visible leader within the ecology team, contributing to business development, mentoring colleagues across levels and helping to shape a high‑performing and collaborative team culture. Your Impact In this senior position, you will directly influence project outcomes by ensuring that ecological risks are identified early, scientifically robust evidence is collected and nature‑positive opportunities are fully realised. Your leadership will help clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks and achieve planning success through transparent, defensible and proportionate ecological solutions. You will contribute to the quality, consistency and credibility of ecological work across the team, supporting a shared culture of high‑quality science, effective communication and reliable project delivery. Your guidance and coaching of junior and mid‑career ecologists will also contribute to the long‑term capability of the team, helping develop the next generation of ecological specialists. Your influence internally and externally will support the continued growth and strengthening of Tetra Tech RPS’s ecology services across the UK and Ireland. Your Toolkit for Success at RPSEcological Expertise & Technical Leadership As a Principal Ecologist, you will bring extensive ecological knowledge and proven technical leadership. You will have a deep understanding of habitat classification, ecological impact assessment, protected species legislation and mitigation design. You will be confident in designing complex survey programmes, reviewing advanced ecological analyses and authoring or approving high‑level technical reports. Your experience in applying the Biodiversity Metric and delivering Biodiversity Net Gain solutions will be crucial in helping clients navigate evolving regulatory expectations. You will act as a technical authority within the team—someone colleagues turn to for guidance, clarity and robust ecological judgement. Stakeholder, Regulator & Client Engagement You will be a clear, confident and persuasive communicator who can translate ecological complexity into concise, accessible and actionable advice. You will guide clients through ecological risks and opportunities, lead discussions at meetings and act as the primary point of contact for ecological matters. You will bring experience of liaising directly with Natural England, local authorities and other statutory consultees, negotiating proportionate solutions and representing ecological interests effectively within the planning system. Your ability to build strong relationships and present measured, evidence‑based recommendations will help secure positive outcomes for clients and the environment. Project Leadership, Commercial Understanding & Delivery You will demonstrate strong project leadership, taking ownership of project direction, quality, finances and timely delivery. You will be comfortable managing multiple complex projects, overseeing technical inputs and providing clear direction to multidisciplinary teams. Your understanding of resource planning, programme management and commercial performance will support the successful delivery of ecological services from proposal through to completion. You will bring a proactive, solutions‑focused approach, ensuring challenges are addressed early and that projects progress smoothly, compliantly and efficiently. Your attention to detail, reliability and strategic oversight will underpin the credibility and success of the ecology offering. Regulatory Governance, Licensing & Environmental Insight You will demonstrate a detailed understanding of UK environmental legislation, planning frameworks and the regulatory pathways associated with protected species and habitat protection. You will be familiar with the preparation of mitigation licences for species such as bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers and water voles and will be confident advising clients on licensing requirements, mitigation expectations and design implications. Your ability to interpret emerging policy, respond to legislative change and apply up‑to‑date best practice will ensure clients receive informed, accurate and future‑proofed guidance. You will help the team maintain high standards of compliance and environmental governance across all project stages. Mandatory Requirements To succeed in this role, you will hold a degree in ecology or a related environmental discipline and be a full member of CIEEM or working at an equivalent senior level. You will bring significant experience delivering and overseeing ecological components of complex projects and will hold at least one protected species licence, with great crested newts or bats particularly desirable. Strong written, verbal and organisational skills are essential, alongside the ability to lead, influence and collaborate effectively. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel is required, with occasional overnight stays depending on project location and requirements. FISC Level 4 is advantageous but not essential. Why join Tetra Tech RPS? At Tetra Tech RPS, our people are our success. We thrive on solving the problems that matter — whether through resilient infrastructure, sustainable development or unlocking innovative solutions for clients across the built environment. Our collaborative culture, agile working environment and access to sector‑leading technical expertise enable our teams to deliver exceptional outcomes while building fulfilling careers. In 2023, RPS became part of Tetra Tech, a global leader in consulting and engineering with 30,000 employees across 550 offices in more than 120 countries. Combining deep local expertise with global capability, we deliver science‑led solutions at every scale. Join us and be part of a connected, forward‑thinking community sustainable future. Recruitment Agencies We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list and any submitted will be taken as a gift. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.