Assistant Ecologist

Forestry and Land Scotland; Dunoon; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer pension 28.97%

Job summary

Forestry and Land Scotland is seeking an Assistant Ecologist (Environment Ranger) to join the Planning & Environment team at the Glenbranter Office in the Cowal District, Dunoon. The role focuses on baseline ecological surveys, protecting designated sites and species, and supporting land management planning.

Candidates should have an HND or equivalent in Ecology/Conservation, experience surveying protected species, a full UK driving licence, and the ability to work outdoors in challenging

Qualifications

• HND or equivalent in Ecology, Conservation or related discipline.
• Experience surveying for protected species and designing mitigation plans.
• Full UK driving licence (or able to fulfil role by other means).
• Ability to independently plan and deliver ecological surveys, outdoors in challenging terrain.

Responsibilities

• Conduct baseline ecological surveys ahead of forestry operations.
• Survey for protected species and develop mitigation plans.
• Monitor designated sites and habitats; support licence applications.
• Contribute to land management planning and conservation projects.
• Perform reporting, data management and GIS mapping activities.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Protected species surveying

GIS mapping

Data management

Driving licence

Education

HND or equivalent in Ecology/Conservation

Tools

GIS software

CIEEM membership

Job description

Reference: REQ1199
Type: Permanent
Location: Dunoon, Scotland
Industry: Agriculture Fishing and Forestry
Salary: £35656 - £39459 per annum + plus 28.97% employer pension contribution

We’re looking for an Assistant Ecologist (Environment Ranger) to join our Planning & Environment team based at our Glenbranter Office in the Cowal District, Central Region.

The Environment Team works within the Planning & Environment Department and is responsible for monitoring and managing a wide range of designated sites, scheduled monuments, priority habitats and protected species across the national forest estate. The team supports sustainable land management by carrying out ecological surveys, providing specialist advice, and helping to shape land management plans and conservation projects.

As Assistant Ecologist (Environment Ranger), you’ll play a key role in providing baseline ecological surveys ahead of forestry operations and helping to protect and enhance the natural environment across the region. Your work will include surveying for protected species, developing mitigation plans, monitoring designated sites and habitats, supporting licence applications, and contributing to land management planning. Alongside field-based work, you’ll also undertake reporting, data management and GIS mapping activities, providing valuable ecological information to support decision-making and operational delivery.

To be successful, you’ll need an HND or equivalent qualification in Ecology, Conservation or a related discipline, together with experience of surveying for protected species and designing mitigation plans. You should be capable of independently planning and delivering ecological surveys, have good general fitness for working outdoors in challenging terrain and weather conditions, and hold a full UK driving licence (or be able to undertake the role by other means). Desirable experience and qualifications include knowledge of UK protected species legislation, GIS mapping skills, CIEEM membership, protected species survey licences, specialist expertise in one or more taxonomic groups, and knowledge of Schedule 1 breeding bird species ecology.