Ecologist

Ecologist – Environmental Consultancy

Renfrew (Hybrid)

Full-time, Permanent (Part-time options available)

Salary: £32,000–£38,000 DOE

An established environmental consultancy in Scotland is looking for an experienced Ecologist to join their friendly, close-knit team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to develop their technical skills, manage their own projects, and work in a supportive environment where professional growth is genuinely prioritised.

The team is small (around a dozen people), with a collaborative culture, regular away days, and strong relationships between junior and senior staff. Over 600 hours of training were delivered across the team last year, reflecting a real commitment to development.

The Role

Reporting to senior staff and the leadership team, you’ll be responsible for delivering high-quality ecological work across a varied project portfolio. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing your own projects professionally and ethically
• Carrying out PEAs, Phase 1 habitat surveys, and protected species surveys
• Producing clear, accurate reports within agreed timescales
• Communicating survey findings and implications to clients and project teams
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, LPAs, and statutory bodies
• Keeping up to date with legislation, policy, and best practice
• Following company procedures and contributing to a positive H&S culture

The role involves both field and desk work. You’ll need to live within a reasonable commuting distance of the office and be comfortable working outdoors, sometimes outside standard hours, particularly during bat and GCN survey season.

Why This Consultancy?

You’ll benefit from:

• Extensive training and CPD throughout the year
• Support towards gaining protected species licences
• Professional membership fees covered
• Hybrid working, with encouragement to work from home at least once per week
• Health insurance & standard pension
• TOIL and flexible working options
• 3- and 4-day working week options
• A genuinely supportive, friendly team environment

The company also takes sustainability seriously - after reviewing their carbon footprint, they actively encourage reduced commuting where possible.

Project Variety

You’ll work on a diverse range of projects, including:

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
• Protected species surveys
• Conservation-focused work, such as surveying sites earmarked for future protection
• Large-scale infrastructure frameworks, including overhead line surveys and remote fieldwork
• Regional frameworks involving occasional overnight stays

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• A relevant degree and demonstrable ecological experience
• Strong understanding of Scottish ecological legislation, policy, and licensing
• Broad knowledge of ecological survey methods and habitat classification
• Good species ID skills across multiple taxonomic groups
• Understanding of the mitigation hierarchy and licensing processes
• Familiarity with NPF4 and Biodiversity Net Gain
• Full UK driving licence

Nice to have

• Protected species licences (bats, GCN, badger)
• Experience as a named ecologist on EPS licences
• QGIS experience