Principal Ecologist

VolkerFitzpatrick offers a range and depth of civil engineering, infrastructure and building services. We contribute to vital parts of the nation's life through projects of strategic importance, while delivering those less visible, yet essential, works required by both private and public sectors. We build, renew, maintain highways, airports, railway infrastructure, and commercial, industrial and educational buildings.

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.

We have a fantastic new opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to join our Volker Fitzpatrick Business, supporting on multiple projects.

The Principal Ecologist is responsible for leading ecological strategy, risk management and compliance across VolkerFitzpatrick's construction and civil engineering projects. The role provides senior technical expertise, ensuring projects meet legislative, client, and environmental obligations, while driving best practice and biodiversity enhancement across the business.

About you

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related field.
• Full Membership of CIEEM (essential).
• Extensive experience leading ecology on major construction or civil engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, protected species licensing and planning requirements.
• Experienced in large-scale impact assessments and complex mitigation design.
• CSCS card (or ability to obtain).
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Technical competencies expected of the role:

• Accomplished competency in UK Habs assessment.
• Accomplished competency in Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Accomplished competency in the production of PEA reports, PMWs, EcIAs and Biodiversity Chapters for Environmental Statements (ES) and HRAs.
• Accomplished competency in design of mitigation measures.
• Has been named on a mitigation licence and has led the implementation of one or more mitigation licences.
• Accomplished competency in protected species identification and survey.
• Accomplished understanding of UK legislation relating to protected species and habitats and application in typical projects.
• Has an excellent knowledge of the UK legislation relating to protected species and habitats.

If your past experience doesn't match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.

Why work with us?

VolkerFitzpatrick is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.

By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerFitzpatrick are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.

We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.

We offer a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary
• Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
• Option to buy additional annual leave
• Private medical care
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
• Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
• Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
• Flexible working opportunities
• Employee Assistance programme
• Mental health, physical health, and financial support
• 24/7 Virtual GP service

Fairness, inclusion and respect

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive. xwwtmva

If you need support with your application, please contact us at

Additional information

Note for Recruitment Agencies:

Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.

We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed

VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.