Senior Ecologist
Location: Edinburgh
Overview
A leading environmental consultancy is on the lookout for a highly skilled and passionate Senior Ecologist to join their team based in Edinburgh. This position offers an excellent opportunity to engage in a variety of projects, including renewable energy, transport infrastructure, and residential/commercial developments. In this pivotal role, you will contribute to the delivery of exceptional ecological services and help drive the success of a collaborative and growing team.
Responsibilities
As a Senior Ecologist, your responsibilities will include:
- Leading small to medium-sized projects and supporting larger-scale efforts, such as wind farms or transmission line developments, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.
- Serving as the primary contact for project managers, clients, partners, and sub-consultants.
- Coordinating and performing ecological surveys, covering habitat (UKHab and NVC) and protected species studies, as well as managing clerk of work programs.
- Preparing comprehensive technical reports, including ecological mitigation strategies, EIA sections, HRA, precautionary working methods, and species licence applications.
- Engaging with ecological regulatory bodies and planning authorities to ensure compliance with project requirements.
- Developing fee proposals and assisting with maintaining strong client relationships.
- Allocating resources effectively, managing team activities, and mentoring junior ecologists within a multidisciplinary consultancy setting.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring the following:
- A degree in ecology or a closely related discipline, coupled with extensive fieldwork experience and the application of recognized survey methodologies.
- Competence in using MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Outlook; familiarity with ArcGIS and digital data capture techniques is a plus.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the capability to produce concise and well-structured documents for diverse audiences.
- Preferably, possession of one or more protected species licences and familiarity with development licence processes.
- A solid grasp of relevant UK and Scottish environmental regulations and planning frameworks.
- A full, clean driving licence and a willingness to conduct surveys outside standard work hours or travel when required.
Day-to-Day
Your role will involve:
- Partnering with diverse teams to provide ecological services across multiple projects.
- Performing on-site surveys and data collection to evaluate ecological impacts.
- Drafting detailed reports and communicating effectively with stakeholders to meet project goals.
- Guiding and mentoring junior team members to maintain high professional standards and foster growth.
- Advising clients and regulatory organizations on ecological concerns with expert insight.
Benefits
This role offers a rewarding package of benefits, which include:
- Opportunities for continuous professional growth and tailored career development.
- A workplace culture that prioritizes inclusivity, team collaboration, and mutual respect.
- Flexible working options to accommodate personal and professional needs.
- Generous holiday entitlement, including 27 days of leave plus public holidays.
- Matched contributions to a pension savings scheme.
- Comprehensive private health coverage and life assurance for added peace of mind.
If you're ready to advance your career and take on exciting challenges in the field of ecology, this opportunity provides the chance to make meaningful contributions while working with an innovative and supportive team.
Take the next step in your career—apply now and make a lasting environmental impact!
