Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

Glasgow or Stirling, Scotland (Hybrid Working)

Salary

£45,000 - £50,000 DOE + Comprehensive Benefits Package

Hours

Full-time | 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday

About the Opportunity

An established environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join its growing Ecology & Hydrology team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, infrastructure and environmental projects across the UK and Ireland.

You'll be part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team, working alongside specialists in planning, environmental assessment, geospatial services, construction and project delivery to support the development of sustainable, low-carbon projects.

This role offers the opportunity to lead complex projects, influence key environmental outcomes and contribute to the growth and development of a highly respected consultancy business.

The Role

As a Principal Ecologist, you will play a leading role in the delivery of ecological services across a range of high-profile projects. Responsibilities will include:

• Managing multiple complex projects from inception through to delivery.
• Acting as a key point of contact for clients, regulators and stakeholders.
• Leading and reviewing Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA).
• Preparing and reviewing Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Producing and reviewing biodiversity enhancement strategies and habitat management plans.
• Providing technical leadership and quality assurance across project teams.
• Supporting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects.
• Contributing to business development activities, proposals and client relationship management.
• Mentoring, supporting and developing junior members of the ecology team.
• Supporting construction-phase projects through ECoW and environmental compliance activities where required.

About You

We're keen to hear from experienced ecologists who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience within ecological consultancy.
• Strong technical knowledge of habitats, habitat management and ecological assessment.
• Proven experience delivering EcIA and HRA work.
• Experience working on large-scale renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of ECoW and/or EnvCoW principles and delivery.
• Excellent report writing and technical review skills.
• Strong project management and client-facing experience.
• Experience mentoring, supervising or managing staff.
• Full membership of CIEEM or working towards senior-level accreditation.

Desirable

• Experience supporting DCO or other nationally significant infrastructure projects.
• Background in renewable energy, transmission, infrastructure or major development projects.
• Protected species licences and specialist technical expertise.
• Experience supporting business development and winning new work.

What's on Offer

• £45,000 - £55,000 salary depending on experience
• Full-time position working a 37.5-hour week
• Performance-related bonus opportunities
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 33 days annual leave entitlement
• 4% Pension contribution
• Professional membership fees paid