Project Lead

Description:

Sweco, a global leader in sustainable engineering and design, is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join its growing team in Ipswich. This senior-level role is ideal for an experienced ecology professional who is passionate about biodiversity, nature recovery, and sustainable development. The position offers flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and adjustable start and finish times.

As a Principal Ecologist, you will play a key leadership role in shaping Sweco’s ecological strategies, delivering complex and high-value projects, and mentoring junior ecologists. You will ensure that all ecological work aligns with the company’s commitment to technical excellence, environmental responsibility, and innovation in sustainable design.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage large-scale or complex ecological projects, ensuring high-quality delivery and adherence to best practice standards.

• Oversee ecological assessments, including preliminary ecological appraisals, detailed habitat surveys, and biodiversity evaluations.

• Develop and review technical reports, including PEAs, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), and protected species licence applications.

• Prepare competitive bids and tenders, ensuring commercial viability and technical robustness.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, project managers, and clients to meet ecological requirements on diverse infrastructure and development projects.

• Conduct analysis, evaluation, and presentation of ecological data to support planning and design solutions.

• Act as an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) on construction projects where required.

• Mentor and inspire junior ecologists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

Candidate Requirements:

• Proven experience in managing complex ecological or environmental projects within consultancy settings.

• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills with the ability to inspire and guide less experienced team members.

• Thorough understanding of UK ecological legislation, survey methodologies, and best practice guidance.

• Experience conducting PEA, protected species, and habitat surveys.

• Strong report writing abilities, particularly in PEA, EcIA, and HRA reports, as well as protected species licence applications.

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, or a related discipline.

• Membership of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management).

• Eligible for CEnv (Chartered Environmentalist) or CEcol (Chartered Ecologist) status.

• Protected species survey licences are desirable.

• Full, clean UK driving licence and willingness to travel to various project sites.

Why Join Sweco:

• Opportunity to work on major national projects that support biodiversity, sustainability, and nature recovery.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements supporting a healthy work-life balance.

• Strong focus on career growth, professional development, and chartership support.

• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture that celebrates collaboration and innovation.

• Access to global expertise and local project delivery, making Sweco a trusted name in sustainable design.

About Sweco:

Sweco is at the forefront of designing sustainable communities and cities of the future. The company’s mission—Transforming Society Together—reflects its commitment to tackling societal and environmental challenges through intelligent design, digital innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Sweco’s inclusive culture ensures that all colleagues thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. The organization is a Disability Confident Committed employer and a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, supporting fair treatment for service members and their families.