Ecologist in Edinburgh

Job Description

About the Company

A leading UK employee owned environmental consultancy is looking for a Principal Ecological Consultant to join its growing Scottish team. The current headcount across Edinburgh and Glasgow is around 25-30 of varying experience levels and specialisms.

About the Role

You’ll lead ecological input on renewable energy and transmission projects, working within a collaborative, science‑led environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex projects and act as a key client contact
• Provide high‑level technical review of reports and assessments
• Mentor junior and mid‑level ecologists
• Prepare tenders, proposals and support business development
• Work closely with specialists across ecology, arboriculture, agri‑environment, landscape, planning, heritage, GIS and visualisation

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of UK wildlife, survey methods and ecological principles
• Solid knowledge of UK conservation legislation and Scottish planning
• Experience delivering and reviewing PEA, protected species and EcIA reports
• Confident client engagement and project management
• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to travel and occasionally work antisocial hours
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of UK wildlife, survey methods and ecological principles
• Solid knowledge of UK conservation legislation and Scottish planning
• Experience delivering and reviewing PEA, protected species and EcIA reports
• Confident client engagement and project management
• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to travel and occasionally work antisocial hours

Skills

• Experience in mentoring junior and mid‑level ecologists
• Ability to prepare tenders and proposals
• Experience in business development

Pay range and compensation package

• £40,000–£47,000
• Employee‑ownership profit share (up to £3.6k annually tax free)
• 4x salary life assurance
• 25 days’ holiday + public holidays (buy/sell available)
• Group Income Protection
• Paid volunteering day