Principal Ecologist

Salary/Rate:£Depending on Experience
Town/City:Edinburgh
County:City of Edinburgh
Sector:Ecology and Forestry
Job ref:1336747
Post Date:23.06.26
Scroll

Meet Our Recruiter

About the Role

The Opportunity

If you're an experienced ecologist who enjoys working on complex, landscape-led projects and wants greater influence over how ecology shapes development outcomes, this could be worth exploring.

This opportunity offers the chance to step into a senior role within a well-established environmental consultancy where ecological thinking sits at the heart of project delivery rather than being added at the end. You'll have the autonomy to lead projects, strengthen client relationships and help shape the continued growth of the ecology team, while working alongside colleagues from across planning, design and environmental disciplines.

 

The Company

This is an established and highly regarded environmental consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering thoughtful, landscape-led projects across the UK and Ireland.

The business has built long-term relationships with a select portfolio of clients and takes a collaborative approach to delivery, often acting as a trusted extension of wider project teams. Quality, design excellence and technical expertise underpin everything they do, creating an environment where ecological input is genuinely valued and where experienced professionals are trusted to make an impact.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll play a leading role in delivering ecology services across a varied portfolio of projects, balancing strategic input with technical excellence.

  • Leading ecological workstreams across multiple projects and ensuring high-quality delivery.
  • Providing practical, commercially aware advice that supports wider project objectives.
  • Working closely with clients and developing long-term relationships.
  • Producing clear and robust technical reports and documentation.
  • Integrating ecological considerations into multidisciplinary teams and design processes.
  • Supporting and mentoring colleagues, helping to strengthen the wider team.
  • Contributing to the continued growth and development of ecology services.

 

About You

You're likely already operating at a senior level within consultancy and enjoy the balance between technical delivery, client interaction and strategic thinking.

You may have experience managing complex projects, working across multiple priorities and providing confident advice to clients and project teams. Protected species licences and a strong understanding of ecological legislation would be valuable, but equally important is your ability to think pragmatically, communicate clearly and take ownership of your work.

A degree in ecology or a related discipline and several years' consultancy experience are expected, while postgraduate qualifications would be welcomed but aren't essential.

 

What's on Offer

  • A chance to work on significant, landscape-scale projects where ecology has real influence.
  • A supportive and collaborative culture with experienced colleagues.
  • Opportunities to contribute strategically and help shape the future direction of the ecology team.
  • Varied work across the UK and Ireland, combining office, project and site-based activity.
  • Professional development and the opportunity to broaden your technical and leadership skills.
  • Competitive salary of £32,000–£55,000 alongside a wider benefits package.

Location & Flexibility

Based in Edinburgh, this role offers a blend of office and site work, providing variety and the opportunity to stay closely connected to projects throughout their lifecycle.

Interested?

If you're curious about what this could look like for you, or simply interested in having an informal conversation about the role and the projects involved, we'd be happy to tell you more. There's no pressure—just an opportunity to explore whether it might be the right next step in your career.

The Opportunity

If you're an experienced ecologist who enjoys working on complex, landscape-led projects and wants greater influence over how ecology shapes development outcomes, this could be worth exploring.

This opportunity offers the chance to step into a senior role within a well-established environmental consultancy where ecological thinking sits at the heart of project delivery rather than being added at the end. You'll have the autonomy to lead projects, strengthen client relationships and help shape the continued growth of the ecology team, while working alongside colleagues from across planning, design and environmental disciplines.

 

The Company

This is an established and highly regarded environmental consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering thoughtful, landscape-led projects across the UK and Ireland.

The business has built long-term relationships with a select portfolio of clients and takes a collaborative approach to delivery, often acting as a trusted extension of wider project teams. Quality, design excellence and technical expertise underpin everything they do, creating an environment where ecological input is genuinely valued and where experienced professionals are trusted to make an impact.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll play a leading role in delivering ecology services across a varied portfolio of projects, balancing strategic input with technical excellence.

  • Leading ecological workstreams across multiple projects and ensuring high-quality delivery.
  • Providing practical, commercially aware advice that supports wider project objectives.
  • Working closely with clients and developing long-term relationships.
  • Producing clear and robust technical reports and documentation.
  • Integrating ecological considerations into multidisciplinary teams and design processes.
  • Supporting and mentoring colleagues, helping to strengthen the wider team.
  • Contributing to the continued growth and development of ecology services.

 

About You

You're likely already operating at a senior level within consultancy and enjoy the balance between technical delivery, client interaction and strategic thinking.

You may have experience managing complex projects, working across multiple priorities and providing confident advice to clients and project teams. Protected species licences and a strong understanding of ecological legislation would be valuable, but equally important is your ability to think pragmatically, communicate clearly and take ownership of your work.

A degree in ecology or a related discipline and several years' consultancy experience are expected, while postgraduate qualifications would be welcomed but aren't essential.

 

What's on Offer

  • A chance to work on significant, landscape-scale projects where ecology has real influence.
  • A supportive and collaborative culture with experienced colleagues.
  • Opportunities to contribute strategically and help shape the future direction of the ecology team.
  • Varied work across the UK and Ireland, combining office, project and site-based activity.
  • Professional development and the opportunity to broaden your technical and leadership skills.
  • Competitive salary of £32,000–£55,000 alongside a wider benefits package.

Location & Flexibility

Based in Edinburgh, this role offers a blend of office and site work, providing variety and the opportunity to stay closely connected to projects throughout their lifecycle.

Interested?

If you're curious about what this could look like for you, or simply interested in having an informal conversation about the role and the projects involved, we'd be happy to tell you more. There's no pressure—just an opportunity to explore whether it might be the right next step in your career.

 

More jobs from this recruiter

View All

Ecologist/Senior Ecologist

West Midlands | Bedfordshire | Buckinghamshire | Oxfordshire
Buckinghamshire
£30,500 - £42,000
The consultancy is continuing to invest in its natural environment services, creating opportunities for people who want to develop their careers while contributing to meaningful work around biodiversity, habitat protection and environmental enhancement.

Senior Ecologist

Banbury
Oxfordshire
£Competitive
An opportunity to join a highly technical ecology team with a strong reputation for quality, where you can deepen your expertise, take ownership of increasingly complex projects and build a clear route towards Principal level.

Principal Ecologist

Newcastle
Tyne and Wear
£42,000 - £48,000
An opportunity for an experienced ecologist to take a senior role within a growing consultancy, combining technical leadership, mentoring, team development and the autonomy to help shape the ecology offering across Newcastle and the wider North East.

Principal / Associate EIA Consultant – Water Environment

Cardiff
Cardiff
£45,000 - £60,000
A senior technical EIA opportunity within a specialist water and environmental consultancy, offering genuine autonomy, direct access to the Technical Director and the freedom to focus on high-quality hydrology and water environment work.