Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist (BNG Focus)

Hybrid Working | Glasgow / Edinburgh
£45,000 - £55,000 DOE + Benefits

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Ecologist to join a growing ecology and biodiversity team within a leading multidisciplinary consultancy based in either Glasgow or Edinburgh (both offices are modern, central and nearby by to public transport including train stations).

This is a chance to play a pivotal role in shaping ecological strategy across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure, renewable energy, residential and commercial development projects, with a particular focus on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Joining at an early stage of the team's growth, you'll have the opportunity to influence its direction, develop client relationships and help build a market-leading ecology offering.

The Role

As a Principal Ecologist, you will provide technical leadership across a range of projects whilst managing complex ecological assessments and supporting multidisciplinary teams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading ecological projects across infrastructure, renewables, residential and commercial developments.
• Delivering EcIA, HRA, habitat and protected species assessments.
• Acting as a technical lead on Biodiversity Net Gain strategies and assessments.
• Advising clients on ecological constraints, mitigation, habitat enhancement and planning requirements.
• Producing and reviewing BNG assessments using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.
• Working closely with planners, landscape architects and design teams to integrate biodiversity into development proposals.
• Managing client relationships and supporting business development activities.
• Preparing fee proposals and contributing to tender submissions.
• Mentoring and developing junior ecologists.

About You

You'll ideally have:

• A degree in Ecology or a related environmental discipline.
• Significant consultancy experience, ideally 8+ years.
• Strong knowledge of UK ecology, environmental legislation and the planning process.
• Proven experience delivering Biodiversity Net Gain projects.
• Experience managing complex ecological projects and stakeholder relationships.
• Full CIEEM membership or working towards chartership.
• Excellent leadership, project management and communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• Protected species licences.
• Line management experience.
• Habitat creation and restoration expertise.
• Experience developing off-site BNG solutions or biodiversity unit strategies.

What's on Offer?

• Bonus
• Hybrid and flexible working.
• 7% Pension
• Life Assurance
• Death in service

This role would suit a commercially aware Senior or Principal Ecologist looking to take a leading role in the rapidly expanding Biodiversity Net Gain market while working on some of the UK's most significant development projects.