Principal Ecology Consultant

This role offers flexibility on base location, with a preference for candidates able to attend a Central Scotland office approximately once every two weeks.

The Role

This is a senior opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to combine technical leadership, project delivery, and people management. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping projects, supporting clients, mentoring staff, and contributing to the strategic growth of the ecology team.

The position offers a broad scope of responsibility, including project and client management, technical oversight, business development, and training delivery. While the role can be shaped to suit the strengths of the individual, experience in project management and ornithology would be particularly advantageous.

The organisation prides itself on delivering pragmatic, real-world ecological advice that balances development needs with meaningful biodiversity outcomes.

Qualifications

• BSc and/or MSc in Ecology or a related discipline

• Full Member (or eligible for Full Membership) of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM)

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing ecological projects, including budgets, programmes, clients, and teams

• Strong background delivering ecological surveys and assessments across a range of Scottish habitats and species

• Experience preparing tenders, fee proposals, and contributing to business development

• Sound knowledge of the Scottish planning system, wildlife legislation, planning policy, and best practice guidance (e.g. NPF4, CIEEM)

• Excellent report writing skills, including EcIA, HRA, and mitigation strategies

• Confident communicator, able to explain complex ecological issues clearly to non-technical audiences

• Experience mentoring junior staff and supporting team development

• Ability to technically review PEAs, ecological assessments, and related reports

• Creative and solutions-focused approach to complex or novel ecological challenges

• Willingness to travel and work flexibly, including occasional overnight stays

• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Experience

• Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) and/or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status

• Ornithological survey and monitoring experience

• Protected species survey experience and relevant licences (e.g. bats, GCN, badger, otter)

• Experience working on infrastructure, utilities, or renewable energy projects

• Stakeholder engagement experience, including local authorities, landowners, and community groups

• Familiarity with GIS and ecological data analysis tools

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience

• Professional membership subscription

• Tailored internal and external training and career development

• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays), with buy/sell options

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Employee referral scheme

• Paid volunteering day

• Flexible parental leave policies

• Cycle-to-work and electric vehicle schemes

How to Apply

To find out more or to apply confidentially, please contact Ocean to Earth Recruitment and submit your CV.