Principal Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with an established and growing environmental consultancy to recruit a Principal Ecological Consultant in Scotland. This is a senior technical and leadership role for an experienced ecologist who wants to lead projects, mentor and develop colleagues, build strong client relationships and play a part in the continued growth of an ecology team.

The role can be based in Glasgow, with the opportunity to work across both the Glasgow and Edinburgh offices.

The role

This position offers a good balance of technical ecology, project leadership, people development and client work. You will take responsibility for ecological projects from initial brief through to delivery, while providing guidance and support to less experienced members of the team.

A key part of the role will be mentoring other ecologists, helping them develop technically and professionally. You will also have the opportunity to influence how projects are delivered and contribute to the wider development of the ecology service.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing ecological projects from inception through to completion, including programme, budget and quality.

• Providing technical leadership and ecological advice across a varied portfolio of projects.

• Mentoring and supporting junior and developing ecologists, sharing knowledge and helping them progress their careers.

• Overseeing ecological surveys, assessments, mitigation strategies and monitoring programmes.

• Preparing, reviewing and signing off technical reports and client deliverables.

• Delivering and reviewing PEAs, EcIAs, Species Protection Plans and Habitats Regulations Assessments.

• Advising on Biodiversity Net Gain and wider biodiversity requirements.

• Building long-term relationships with clients and acting as a trusted technical contact.

• Supporting proposals, tenders and business development.

• Working alongside other environmental disciplines to provide joined-up advice to clients.

• Helping improve and develop ecological services, technical standards and ways of working.

About you

You will already have strong ecological consultancy experience and be comfortable taking ownership of projects and providing technical guidance to others.

You are likely to bring:

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences or a related discipline.

• Full membership of CIEEM, ideally with Chartered status or working towards it.

• Significant experience within ecological consultancy.

• Strong knowledge of UK ecological legislation, policy and current best practice.

• Experience producing and reviewing PEAs, EcIAs, Species Protection Plans and HRAs.

• An understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and delivery.

• Experience with QGIS and/or ArcGIS Pro.

• Strong report writing and client-facing skills.

• Previous experience mentoring, supporting or managing other ecological professionals.

• Good commercial awareness and the confidence to manage projects, budgets and client expectations.

You do not necessarily need to be someone who wants to move away from technical ecology. This role provides the opportunity to remain involved in high-quality ecological work while taking on greater responsibility for people, projects and clients.

Why consider this opportunity?

You will be joining an established environmental consultancy with a growing multidisciplinary team and a strong focus on environmental improvement.

Alongside a salary of £47,000 to £57,000, the position offers hybrid working, ongoing professional development and the opportunity to work across a broad range of projects and sectors.

For someone looking to develop further at Principal level, the mentoring and leadership responsibilities are particularly important. You will have the opportunity to help shape the careers of other ecologists while continuing to build your own technical, commercial and leadership experience.

Apply

Ocean to Earth Recruitment specialises in environmental and ecology recruitment across the UK. We take the time to understand what you want from your next move, including the projects, culture, progression and working arrangements that matter to you.

For a confidential discussion about this Principal Ecological Consultant opportunity, please contact Vicky Kenrick.