Principal Economist

Salary Competitive salary based on relevant experience

Location Remote, UK

The Vacancy

The ADAS Policy and Economics (PAE) team is an enthusiastic group of individuals who work collaboratively across a range of environmental, economic and social research areas. We undertake innovative work on behalf of Government, public agencies and private sectors. We help to explore new ways of working and develop the evidence base for an economically viable and socio-ecologically robust natural environment. We are looking for a Principal Economist in a Hybrid role to lead high-impact projects, shape policy, and drive innovation in agricultural and environmental economics.

Role Purpose

As a Principal Economist, you will lead the delivery of complex economic research and consultancy projects, provide strategic advice to clients, and contribute to the growth of our economics team. You will work at the interface of science, policy, and economics, helping clients make informed decisions on land use, food systems, biodiversity, and climate resilience. This role combines technical leadership, strategic client engagement, and mentoring of junior colleagues to support environmental stewardship and the development of sustainable agricultural systems. The role is ideal for a dynamic, forward-thinking professional who thrives on intellectual challenge, leadership, and making a measurable difference in society.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership and Delivery
• Strategic Business Development
• Project and Contract Management
• People Development & Mentoring
• Cross-Group Collaboration

Essential Criteria

• Postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in applied economic analysis, with a strong focus on agricultural and environmental policy.
• Proven track record of delivering consultancy or research projects for public or private sector clients.
• Strong understanding of UK and EU agricultural and environmental policy landscapes.
• Proficiency in economic evaluation methods (e.g., cost-benefit analysis, impact assessments, econometrics).
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, client presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Commercial awareness and experience in winning and managing consultancy contracts.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with or for UK government departments (e.g., Defra, Natural England, DESNZ, Environment Agency).
• Familiarity with natural capital accounting, ecosystem services valuation, or climate economics.
• Experience integrating economic and environmental data, including spatial analysis or GIS.
• Ability to work across disciplines and manage multi-partner projects.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements 
• Life assurance
• A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays, health cash plan and discounted gym membership
• We encourage Continuing Professional Development and support Chartership to relevant professional bodies.
• Volunteer days allowing staff to support local good causes and environmental activities.

RSK Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer

More detailed job description attached.

#Economist #Agriculture #EnvironmentalScience

RSK will not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies other than RSK PSL or Secondary agencies.

About Us

ADAS is the UKs largest independent environmental and agricultural consultancy. Our goal as a company is two-fold: secure British food and enhance the environment. Established over 75 years ago and part of RSK Group since 2016, we offer high-quality, research-based tailored solutions for a wide-ranging client base. From working with small and medium-sized landowners to helping shape government policy with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), we are adept at collecting and analysing data and creating bespoke strategies to achieve the best outcome for our clients unique needs. We are a trusted brand when it comes to managing the countryside: we do more than simply tick checkboxes; we will formulate a strategy that benefits the landowner and nature - our approach is fluid and changes according to requirements.

As well as agricultural research and consultancy, ADAS provides ecology, arboriculture, archaeology, planning, and landscape services to a growing base of clients working across multiple sectors. Our technical specialists have supported both local and nationally significant utility, transport, infrastructure, government and development projects. Some of our client relationships span over 40 years. We evolve and innovate with our clients, thereby ensuring that we provide a practical, reliable, and responsive service.

ADAS 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 workplace. Many 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? 

Life Assurance

Annual Leave Purchase

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounted Gym Membership

Documents

Inclusive Recruitment Guide for Candidates - DownloadPrincipal Economist Job Description.pdf - Download

Information :

• Company : Countryside Properties
• Position : Principal Economist
• Location : United Kingdom
• Country : US