Princpal Ecologist

Principal Ecologist

Location: Remote (Scotland-based projects)
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 + Bonus + Benefits
Company: Boutique Environmental Consultancy (c.10 employees)

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced Ecologist seeking greater autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact?

This is a unique opportunity to join a highly regarded, ISO-accredited environmental consultancy at an exciting stage of growth. With a close-knit team of fewer than 10 staff, your expertise will play a key role in shaping the ecology function as the business scales through 2026.

About the Company

This boutique consultancy has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality ecological services across Scotland, particularly within the renewables and infrastructure sectors.

With a growing pipeline of overhead line (OHL), wind, and wider infrastructure projects, the business is now looking for a Principal Ecologist (with ornithology experience preferred) to take ownership of project delivery, client relationships, and technical outputs, while supporting the development of the wider team.

The Role

As Principal Ecologist, you will:

• Lead and deliver ecological surveys across Scotland, including remote upland locations
• Manage field programmes, data analysis, and technical reporting
• Support ecological assessments for renewables, OHL, and infrastructure projects
• Collaborate with clients, project managers, and internal specialists to provide clear, practical advice
• Contribute to the growth and strategic development of the ecology function
• Represent the business with professionalism, technical credibility, and a solutions-focused approach

About You

You will have:

• 7+ years’ experience in ecology
• Strong technical expertise (ornithology preferred; botany or other specialisms also valuable)
• Proven experience in designing, delivering, and reporting on bird and ecological surveys
• Strong project management capability
• Full CIEEM membership (essential)
• Experience in renewables, infrastructure, or OHL projects (desirable)
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel frequently to remote sites
• The ability to work independently within a small, high-performing team
• CSCS card (preferred)

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £45,000–£50,000
• Annual performance bonus (c. £1,000 last year)
• Paid training and development budget
• Private healthcare
• Access to company vehicles
• Significant opportunity to influence and grow within a scaling consultancy
• Supportive, collaborative team with strong industry reputation and robust ISO systems