Principal Ecologist

Lanpro is a market leading multi-disciplinary consultancy who specialise in Environment led Planning and Design. 

We work on projects at all scales within town, semi-rural and rural contexts, across a variety of sectors that includes residential, historic sites and estates, renewable energy, infrastructure and mixed-use commercial developments. 

About Lanpro

Lanpro is a fast growing, unique and rewarding environment. Through its agile team and comprehensive service, it has allowed growth nationwide. Our Group now has access to offices in Norwich, London, Cambridge, Manchester, Edinburgh, York, Bath, Glasgow, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter and Chelmsford.

Our multidisciplinary service spans across multiple disciplines. Our Group offerings now include Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Ecology, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Landscape Architecture, Architecture & Design, Arboriculture, Visualisation, Historic Environment, Acoustics, Air Quality, Civil Engineering, Geo-environmental, MEP Building Services, Structures, Sustainability, Transport & Highways, Utilities, Water & Flood Risk.

We thrive on creating a culture and environment which provides a great variety of projects, recognition of success, continuous professional development and collaboration across an array of different professions. To find out more about our culture, please click here .

We are proud that together, our teams are supporting delivery of some of the largest solar and battery storage schemes in the United Kingdom and Europe. We have a strong pipeline of opportunities across the energy, residential and infrastructure sectors. 

We offer an environment that is diverse, entrepreneurial and encourages innovation and your professional development. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours. 

We are excited to build our talent pipeline for this role. 

We are seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to play a leading role in the delivery of ecological projects across the North of England. This role is ideal for a highly capable technical specialist who enjoys managing projects, mentoring colleagues, and building strong client relationships while remaining closely involved in technical delivery.

This role is ideal for a future leader looking to support with shaping and growing a Northern ecology team, with the senior leaders. As well as influencing project outcomes to contribute to the continued success of a multidisciplinary consultancy.

Whilst this position will ideally be based in our York office we are open to candidates based in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham , Edinburgh , with responsibility for leading and expanding our ecology presence across the North of England and beyond. Travel to other offices and project sites will be required as part of the role. Full time and part time working will be considered for this role.

If successful, you will:

• Lead and deliver ecological commissions across a range of sectors including energy, infrastructure and residential development.
• Manage EcIA, HRA and BNG projects from inception to completion.
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance across ecological reports and assessments.
• Mentor and support junior and senior ecologists within the team.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Manage project programmes, budgets and resources.
• Support business development activities including bids and tenders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Represent the company at industry events, strengthening brand and market presence

Essential Requirements

• Degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline.
• Significant experience in ecological consultancy.
• Strong technical expertise in:
  • Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
  • Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
  • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
• Experience managing ecological projects and budgets.
• Excellent report writing and technical review skills.
• Sound knowledge of UK planning policy, legislation and best practice.
• Membership of CIEEM (or equivalent professional body).
• Full UK driving licence.

  Desirable Requirements 

• Protected species licences.
• Experience of NSIPs and major infrastructure projects.
• Line management or mentoring experience.
• Experience within a multidisciplinary consultancy.

As a valued employee of  Lanpro, you can expect to feel looked after. We offer the following great benefits as standard: 

Day One

• Enhanced Annual Leave entitlement 
• Death in service cover 
• Centrally based City offices 
• Hybrid working environment (flexible work) 
• Protected CPD (Department, individual and companywide) 
• Professional Body membership contribution 
• Enhanced Company pension 
• Career progression framework and development, including two defined promotion windows annually. 
• E Learning portal access 
• Non contractual growth bonus scheme 

After Probation and Beyond

• Loyalty Leave (Continuous Service Accrued Annual Leave up to 5 days) 
• Vitality Health Care - Private Medical Insurance 
  • Discounted Gym membership 
  • Discounts and perks - Amazon prime, Free Odeon Cinema tickets, Apple benefits and Café Nero
  • Employee Assistance Program - including Financial and Mental Health support from external expertise. 
• BUPA Cash Plan 
  • Employee Assistance Program - including Financial and Mental Health support from external expertise. 
• Cycle to work scheme