Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

Edinburgh (Hybrid)

£45,000 - £54,000

An established, growing environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join its expanding Ecology team in Edinburgh. This is a senior position combining technical leadership, project delivery, team development and client relationship management.

You'll work alongside a highly experienced ecology leadership team, supporting the delivery of projects across infrastructure, energy, residential, commercial and environmental sectors

The Role

As a Principal Ecologist, you will provide senior technical input across a diverse portfolio of projects while acting as a key mentor and leader within the wider ecology team.

You'll be responsible for managing projects from initial feasibility and ecological appraisal through to post-consent support, ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical outputs while maintaining programme, budget and client expectations.

The role offers a balance of:

• Technical leadership
• Project management
• Team development
• Client management
• Business development

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Provide high-quality technical direction and quality assurance for ecological surveys, impact assessments and licensing work.
• Lead and review Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), environmental reporting and protected species documentation.
• Act as a technical specialist and trusted advisor on ecological matters.
• Develop innovative, pragmatic solutions to ecological constraints and project challenges.
• Stay informed of legislative, policy and industry best practice developments and share knowledge across the team.
• Support the development of technical guidance, standards and training within the business.

Project Management

• Lead ecological projects across a variety of sectors including infrastructure, energy and development.
• Manage project teams, programmes, budgets and resources.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs and collaborate with planners, engineers, environmental specialists and external stakeholders.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to a consistently high technical standard.
• Manage subcontractors and specialist consultants where required.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Mentor, coach and support junior and mid-level ecologists.
• Contribute to staff development, performance reviews and career progression.
• Help foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Provide technical guidance and support across the wider ecology function.

Client Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Support proposal writing, tender submissions and work-winning activities.
• Identify opportunities for business growth and service development.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients and key stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Significant consultancy experience within ecology and environmental assessment.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK ecology, legislation and planning policy.
• Demonstrable experience delivering EcIA and HRA projects.
• Experience managing complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent report writing, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience mentoring and developing colleagues.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of project financial management.
• Full membership of CIEEM (or equivalent professional standing).

What's on Offer

• 25 days annual leave (plus 8 days bank)
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance (4x)
• Enhanced maternity/paternity scheme
• 5% Pension contributions
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• TOIL arrangements to support work-life balance