Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

Edinburgh | Hybrid Working
£45,000 - £55,000 + Excellent Benefits

An established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy is looking to appoint a Principal Ecologist to support the continued growth of its Scottish ecology team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist seeking a leadership role within a collaborative and growing business, working across a diverse range of infrastructure, renewable energy and development projects throughout Scotland.

The Role

As a Principal Ecologist, you'll lead ecological input across projects from planning through to construction, providing both technical expertise and project leadership. A key aspect of the role will involve delivering Environmental Clerk of Works (ECoW) services, ensuring environmental compliance and ecological best practice on site.

Responsibilities will include:

• Managing ecological projects and multidisciplinary inputs.
• Leading habitat, protected species and ornithology surveys.
• Providing ECoW support during construction phases.
• Producing and reviewing EcIA, HRA and protected species licence documentation.
• Developing mitigation, management and biodiversity enhancement strategies.
• Building and managing client, contractor and stakeholder relationships.
• Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists.
• Supporting business development, tenders and project opportunities.

About You

You'll ideally have:

• Significant consultancy or environmental management experience.
• Strong knowledge of Scottish and UK environmental legislation and planning processes.
• Previous ECoW and project delivery experience.
• Technical expertise in ecology, ornithology, botany, habitats or protected species.
• Strong communication, leadership and project management skills.
• Membership of CIEEM or a similar professional body.
• A full UK driving licence.

What's on Offer?

• £45,000 - £55,000 salary
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Private healthcare and life assurance
• Enhanced family-friendly benefits
• Clear progression opportunities
• Supportive and highly experienced ecology team
• Exposure to nationally significant projects across Scotland

If you're looking to take the next step in your ecology career and play a key role in delivering impactful environmental projects, we'd be keen to hear from you.