Overview

Role: Principal Consultant – Environmental and Ecological AssessmentLocation: London, Harwell, Bristol, Manchester, Shoreham, Glasgow - HybridRole ID: 2025-3069Ricardo plc is a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company with over 100 years of engineering excellence and around 3,000 employees in more than 20 countries. We provide expertise in delivering cross-sector sustainable products and solutions to help achieve a safe and sustainable world.The Role

We are looking for a Principal Consultant to join our Aquatic Ecology Team. Our Water and Environment Team is growing, with established relationships with many UK water companies and ongoing environmental frameworks and capital projects. The role requires a strong technical background, project management capability, and team leadership.Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop a team of aquatic ecologists, supporting and training junior staff.Deliver expertise in aquatic ecology investigations across all project stages, from bidding/feasibility to field surveys, detailed design and assessment.Contribute to the production of consents such as Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), Water Framework Directive (WFD), Drought Permits, and INNS assessments as technical author or reviewer.Demonstrate strong organisational and communication skills to deliver projects to budget and programme.Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team of water and environmental experts including EIA, HRA, water resources, hydro-ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, water quality and natural capital.Key Competencies and Experience

Extensive experience as a team leader undertaking and reviewing aquatic ecology assessments in the UK water industry.First degree in a relevant environmental discipline, ideally with postgraduate qualifications.Knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation, planning policies, licensing, and best practice survey techniques.Ability to lead Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments.Understanding of WFD assessments and related biological metrics and indices.Experience leading field surveys, analysing results, and coordinating ecological mitigation works.Specialist knowledge in fisheries, macroinvertebrate, or macrophyte ecology is preferable.Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce meticulous technical reports and communicate with clients and stakeholders.Organised with the ability to multi-task and manage several projects concurrently.Ability to manage multiple proposals and projects.Skills and Behaviours

Self-starter in a small, busy team with strong teamwork and attention to detail.Strong organisational, communication, and presentation skills; client and stakeholder relationship management.Proven technical reviewing skills and proactive self-motivation.Ability to contribute to proposals and manage workload priorities.Flexibility to meet business needs.Working Here

You will be welcomed into a culture where every voice matters. We are diverse thinkers and doers, supporting you to find your place. Your knowledge and passion will help deliver innovative solutions that support communities globally toward safer, more sustainable outcomes.Work Life Balance

We offer flexible working arrangements, including home, office, or hybrid models. Wellbeing is central to our culture, enabling employees to flourish and reach their potential.Benefits

Remuneration and benefits reflect our value for you. Core benefits include 25 days of annual leave plus 8 flexible bank holidays, a competitive pension, life assurance, and professional subscriptions reimbursement, along with a range of flexible benefits.Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to diversity, inclusion, and pro-active engagement with all employees. We are recognised as a disability-confident employer.Next steps

After you submit your application, a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Timing may vary based on application volume. If you require any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please contact recruit@ricardo.com.

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