Principal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist - Inverness

Salary: £50,000-60,000 DOE + Car Allowance + Bonus Scheme
Location: Inverness (Office Based)

A Leadership Opportunity with Real Influence

We have partnered with A9 Consulting, a respected environmental consultancy in Inverness with 16 years in the industry as they look to appoint a Principal Ecologist to play a key role in the leadership and sustainable growth of their business.

This is far more than a standard Principal Ecologist position. Sitting between the Directors and the wider ecology team, you'll be instrumental in maintaining the business helping to shape the future of the business, leading Senior Ecologists and Consultants while maintaining involvement in technically interesting projects across Scotland.

For an ambitious ecology professional looking to move beyond pure project delivery and paperwork, and gain genuine influence over team development, business performance and strategic direction, this represents a unique opportunity within the security of an established company without strict structure.

The Opportunity

As Principal Ecologist, you will work closely with the Directors to support the day-to-day running of the ecology team and wider business operations.

You'll provide leadership to a growing team of Senior Ecologists and Consultants, oversee the delivery of complex projects, maintain key client relationships and contribute to business growth initiatives.

The consultancy delivers a diverse range of work across:

• Renewable energy developments
• Peatland restoration projects
• Woodland creation schemes
• Habitat restoration initiatives
• Infrastructure projects
• Housing and mixed-use developments
• Biodiversity enhancement and nature recovery projects

You'll have the freedom to continue developing your own specialist interests while helping shape the future direction of the ecology team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Senior Ecologists and Consultants.
• Work closely with Directors to support the management and growth of the business.
• Take technical responsibility for ecological projects and reports.
• Manage client relationships and develop new business opportunities.
• Review and quality assure technical outputs.
• Support project delivery across renewable energy, habitat restoration and development sectors.
• Provide strategic guidance on ecological and environmental matters.
• Help develop and implement business growth plans.
• Be involved in site scoping on the ground, and backup to fieldwork where required.
• Maintain high standards of technical excellence across the team.
• Develop any niche ecological aspects you have an interest in.

About You

We're looking for an experienced ecological consultant with strong technical expertise and proven leadership capability.

Essential

• Approximately 10 years' experience within ecological consultancy or a related field.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological assessment.
• Experience managing complex ecological projects.
• Proven ability to mentor and lead teams.
• Strong commercial awareness and client management skills.
• Excellent report writing and communication abilities.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Protected species licences.
• Membership of CIEEM or working at an equivalent level.

Desirable

• Experience within renewable energy, peatland restoration or habitat creation projects.
• Business development experience.
• Previous responsibility for managing Senior Ecologists or multidisciplinary teams.

Salary & Benefits

• £50,000-60,000 DOE
• Car Allowance £3k and mileage at 55p
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme related (up to 10%)
• Annual salary review
• Office based at The Life Sciences Innovation Centre on UHI Campus, Inverness
• 29 days annual leave plus 4 public holidays
• Private Health Care
• Paid Professional Fees (CIEEM, etc)
• CPD (min 50 hours)
• £1500 new staff referral (for staff who stay longer than probationary period)
• £400 annual Kit grant
• Gym membership
• AA membership

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join a growing consultancy where your contribution extends well beyond project delivery.

You'll become a key member of the leadership structure, working directly with the Directors to help drive the business forward while leading and developing a talented team of ecologists.

If you're an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist looking for greater influence, leadership responsibility and long-term progression within a flexible and environmentally focused business, we'd be keen to speak with you.

For a confidential discussion or further information, please get in touch with Connor Sandison.