Principal Ecologist (Commercial)

Are you an experienced ecological consultant ready to play a prominent role in the South Downs National Park Authority’s mission to accelerate nature recovery across one of England’s most iconic landscapes through delivering high-integrity environmental outcomes?

The South Downs National Park Authority is looking for a Principal Ecologist (Commercial) to provide expert ecological and biodiversity advice, lead high-quality technical work and support the growth of our emerging ecological consultancy offer.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in developing and delivering services across Biodiversity Net Gain, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, habitat surveys, ArcGIS mapping, compliance monitoring and nature recovery scheme design. You will help ensure that commercial ecological work is technically robust, professionally assured and aligned with statutory requirements, best practice and the Authority’s wider ambitions for nature restoration.

You will lead and review BNG assessments using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, prepare clear and defensible reports, develop Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans, produce high-quality spatial outputs and advise clients, landowners, planning authorities and partners on ecological requirements and outcomes. The role will also contribute to legal agreements that secure long-term land-use change for nature recovery, including section 106 agreements and Conservation Covenants.

We are looking for someone with strong experience in ecological consultancy or a similar environment-sector role, excellent technical knowledge of BNG, UKHab, habitat condition assessment and relevant regulatory frameworks, and confident skills in ArcGIS Pro and digital field workflows. You will be a clear communicator, a strong project manager and a collaborative professional able to work across multiple projects while maintaining accuracy, quality and commercial awareness.

In return, you will join a purpose-driven organisation working at the heart of the South Downs, helping to grow practical, high-integrity ecological services that support nature recovery, climate resilience and thriving landscapes.

Apply now and help deliver nature recovery at scale across the South Downs.

To apply: Please apply via the button shown to upload your CV and complete our application, referring to the person specification.

SDNPA is an inclusive organisation, and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.

In all circumstances, the SDNPA appoints on merit based on evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post. Further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion can be found on our website.

SDNPA Enhanced Benefits

• Flexible working – (this is available for the majority of our roles. However, some positions may require on-site presence and/or specific hours due to business needs)
• Local government pension scheme
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Heat Scheme (capped interest-free green home improvement loan, available on a first-come, first-served basis)
• Healthcare – includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
• Access to Health and Wellbeing portal and webinars
• 28 days’ annual leave, increasing to 31 days, plus bank holidays
• Professional development support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car sharing
• Use of pool cars
• Regular staff events/activities, which support the SDNPA’s Purposes and Duty

Other organisations may call this role Senior Ecologist, Lead Ecologist, Consultant Ecologist, Senior Ecological Consultant, Principal Ecological Consultant, Ecology Consultant, Senior Ecology Consultant, Ecology Manager, or Ecology Lead.

Closing Date: 11 October 2026
Interview Date: 22 October 2026