Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist – Inverness

Salary: £35,000 – £42,000 + Excellent Benefits
Location: Inverness (Hybrid/Flexible Working)

Are you an experienced ecologist looking to step up into a leadership role in a close-knit, passionate consultancy? Want the freedom to shape the kind of work you do - from peatland restoration to bat surveys - while enjoying flexibility, field diversity, and meaningful progression?

We’re working with a boutique environmental consultancy (10–15 staff) based in Inverness to hire a Senior Ecologist. This is a rare opportunity to join a genuinely flexible and mission-driven team working across renewable energy, woodland creation, and ecological restoration projects throughout Scotland.

About the Role

You’ll lead and mentor a small team of 2–3 ecologists, contributing your technical knowledge while managing surveys, reporting, and client engagement. You’ll also have the autonomy to shape your workload depending on your interests - whether that’s bat activity surveys, peatland restoration, or biodiversity net gain strategies.

You'll be involved in:

• Leading field surveys and reporting (especially bats, habitats, peatland, GWDTE)
• Occasional ECoW cover on projects (training provided if needed)
• Supporting and mentoring junior ecologists
• Travelling to remote Scottish sites, including Skye and the Western Isles (air travel provided)
• Engaging with clients across wind energy, housing, and woodland schemes

Key Details & Benefits

• Salary: £35,000 – £42,000 DOE
• Holidays: 25 days + 9 statutory holidays
• Flexible working: Hybrid options supported
• Annual salary review: Around 10% uplift (when targets are met)
• After year 1: Fully funded European study trip aligned with ecological interests (e.g. wolf behaviour in Slovakia)
• After year 2: Fully funded Americas study trip
• After year 3: Fully funded Asia study trip

About You

We’re looking for a proactive, well-rounded ecologist who thrives in a supportive, ambitious environment. You should be:

• Confident leading fieldwork and producing high-quality reports
• Happy mentoring junior colleagues and managing small teams
• Comfortable with regular travel to sites (including occasional air travel to the islands)
• Capable of supporting ECoW work as needed
• Interested in carving out a niche — from bats to peatland or something else

Requirements:

• 4+ years’ experience in ecological consultancy or similar
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning, and survey methods
• Full UK driving licence
• Experience in sectors like renewables, housing, or habitat creation preferred

Why Join?

Unlike larger firms, this consultancy doesn’t chase every contract — they focus on projects they’re passionate about. Whether that’s restoring bogs, protecting bats, or guiding sustainable woodland schemes, your voice shapes the company’s direction.

With annual salary reviews, funded study trips abroad, and a tight-knit team, this is a great next step if you’re looking for growth, flexibility, and impact.

How to Apply

To learn more or apply confidentially, contact us directly