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PrincipalAssociate Ecologist

RSK Group


Job Location:

Leeds - UK

Yearly Salary: GBP 42000 - 58000
Posted: 5 September 2026 (5 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 3 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Principal/Associate Ecologist

Here at RSK Biocensus part of the wider RSK Group we are looking for an experienced Principal or Associate level Ecologist to join our team either based in Helsby or Leeds.

You will be self-motivated and proactive responsible for managing and overseeing major projects from commencement to completion and close-out. You may also be responsible for a geographical area or specialist discipline.

You will also be expected to be able to coordinate some of the largest RSK tenders (not necessarily limited to your own discipline) and have excellent client relationships to ensure future major tender opportunities come into the business. You will be expected to take on additional responsibilities within the RSK Ecology business demonstrating excellent communication skills with team members peers and senior management and developing business strategies.

You will continue to build your profile and reputation consolidating and sharing your knowledge through networking personal endeavour and training. You will undertake all work with an appropriate level of care and attention leading by example.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Commissioning and directing ecological fieldwork; providing ecological advice on complex ecological issues.
  • Overseeing the production of a wide range of technical reports directing their completion and reviewing as necessary to meet the standards required.
  • Designing/leading research projects.
  • Assessing the ecological impacts of developments or changes in land management and developing/ designing mitigation and monitoring proposals for large and complex projects.
  • Assisting colleagues when they are under pressure to meet clients expectations.
  • Leading meetings with colleagues clients and stakeholders and positively influencing the discussions; resolving conflicts to meet clients objectives.
  • Determining the appropriate action for legislative breaches; determining appropriate courses of action; preparing casework.
  • Taking a proactive role in mentoring staff towards their full potential leading by example and supporting a quality-led culture

Key Skills & Experience:

  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of business management to support the company directors.
  • Have a good understanding of the market conditions that are important to RSK Biocensus business and able to contribute to setting strategic business targets.
  • Show a good understanding of client needs and drivers and how these differ between sectors and be able to build and retain the respect and trust of clients.
  • Have an excellent knowledge and understanding of your technical discipline (including current methods legislation techniques and guidance) and how these apply in complex situations and be able to support and train others in understanding these.
  • Be fully familiar with ecological impact assessment (EcIA) Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and the British Standard for biodiversity (BS42020) and apply these with care in your work (including in complex scenarios)
  • Have a good understanding of ecological principles and survey techniques and be able to identify a range of fauna or flora associated with broad habitat types also having an in-depth knowledge of a specific taxon or range of taxa and associated survey mitigation and management techniques
  • Be proficient in appropriate species-handling techniques within specialism (as relevant)
  • Have the abilityto design and carry out more complex ecological surveys within your chosen field(s)

Personal Attributes:

You will be to delegate effectively to other staff setting shared objectives and ensuring they are exposed to the right level of work for their capabilities and to meet the requirements of the client communicate confidently with peers relating to project work whilst understanding your limits and knowing when to ask for help. You will also have a track record in mentoring staff either in their technical discipline and/or in project management.

Being an excellent listener and communicator with colleagues and clients relating to project work business goals and the promotion of RSK will be pivotal to this role within RSK Biocensus.

Salary and Benefits:

  • (Depending on Experience)
  • Company paid life assurance
  • Contributed pension scheme
  • Discounted Gym Memberships
  • Regular career training and development
  • A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidayshealth cash planand discounted gym membership.

To apply today please visit our careers page to find out more information or get in touch with our team today.

RSK is an inclusive employer.

#RSK #Biocensus #Ecology #Surveys #ProjectManagement #Leadership

About Us

Biocensus offers leading consultancy and contracting services in the ecological sector. Our interdisciplinary teams have operated on and contributed to dozens of specialised and multimillion-pound projects across the UK. Our refined service offering oversees a complete range of ecological services including advising on purchasing land undertaking surveys and environmental impact assessments and post-consent licensing and monitoring.

As a market-leading ecological consultancy we rely on our expert and multi-disciplinary teams of more than 150 in-house staff supported by a nationwide network of more than 700 quality-assured consultant ecologists. We have the scale and capabilities to progress large-scale projects and the range of expert skills for the most complex or sensitive programmes. We work with our clients to make their developments suitable for first-hand users and the surrounding wildlife. RSK Biocensus teams identify environmental risks and seek opportunities to enhance developments. We will not identify and highlight a problem without offering a corresponding solution.

RSK Biocensus is part of the RSK Group a leading integrated environmental engineering and technical services business providing dynamic multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.

At RSK we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business capable of weathering external challenges while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

Since the beginning our philosophy has remained the same: employ develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues growth. Were committed to preserving RSKs people-first culture promoting innovation and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds experiences and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

By providing workplace adjustments we make it easier for people to confidently explore and pursue our career opportunities and recognise that flexibility is key to fostering a dynamic and thriving of our office-based positions benefit from a flexible working arrangement allowing our team members to achieve a balance between professional and personal commitments.

We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders races ethnicities ages neurotypes religions or beliefs sexual orientations and those with disabilities.

If youre passionate about making a difference join us as we work together to build a brighter more equitable and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes

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Who are we RSK Group Limited is a dynamic, multidisciplinary environmental consultancy and technical services provider servicing a wide range of property, manufacturing, oil, gas and energy clients. Since 1989, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and retain talente ... View more

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