Consultant Ecologist

Naturally Compliant; Paisley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

7% employer pension contribution

25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays

Private health insurance

EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Profit share scheme

Job summary

Naturally Compliant is seeking a solutions-focused Consultant Ecologist to support clients in Scotland during pre- and post-planning consent and construction phases. The role involves ecological surveys, on-site advice, and managing protected species licences with a focus on improving environmental performance.

You will work with clients across renewables, infrastructure, utilities, and land management, contributing to biodiversity outcomes and practical mitigation throughout project lifecycles.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in construction phase ecological services (Consultant level).
• Understanding of ecological management during construction, including EIA and consent discharge.
• CDM duties and environmental roles on site.
• Driving licence and access to own car.
• CSCS card.
• Environmental degree.

Responsibilities

• Attend development sites to undertake ecological pre-activity surveys and inform mitigation requirements.
• Provide ecologically sound advice to inform construction programme and methods.
• Act as accredited agent on relevant protected species licences, depending on experience.
• Liaise with Project Management teams to promote compliance with management documents and RAMS where ecology is a material factor.
• Author Preliminary Ecological Advice (PEA) and related plans.
• Assist in delivery/creation of Habitat Management Plans and Enhancement Plans.
• Author Species Protection Plans / Breeding Bird Protection Plans.
• Uphold Naturally Compliant and client standards and values.
• Deliver toolbox talks where necessary.

Skills

Construction phase ecology

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

Environmental degree

Tools

Driving licence

Own car

CSCS card

GIS/Mapping

Job description

Consultant Ecologist

• Central Belt, Scotland
• Willing to travel Scotland wide
• £30,000 - £40,000
• Performance-related profit share scheme
• 7% employer pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 flexible bank holidays
• Private health insurance, wellbeing and volunteer days
• EV salary sacrifice scheme and Cycle to Work scheme
• Travelling time & expensed paid

At Naturally Compliant, we're a forward-thinking environmental and construction consultancy dedicated to enhancing environmental performance during the construction phase of infrastructure and development of nationally significant projects.

We’re known for doing things properly. No box‑ticking. No “good enough.” We support clients across renewables, infrastructure, utilities, and land management with environmental oversight that genuinely improves project outcomes.

We are looking for a solutions-focussed Consultant Ecologist to join our valued team. In a company culture that cares, we value interactions, face time, personal support and professional development.

This role will support clients in:

• Identify and manage ecological risks and opportunities throughout a projects lifecycle by undertaking ecological surveys and providing delivery focussed advice .
• Delivering ecological performance, providing on the ground advice to clients and contractors, supporting in the delivery of mitigation, and using technical knowledge to support adaptive mitigation when needed.
• Support biodiversity outcomes, through delivering pre identified ecological enhancement measures and proposing opportunities that arise as a result of the practicalities of the construction phase.

This is an exciting opportunity for a person who is passionate about ecology and conservation to contribute to real-world environmental protection while gaining hands‑on experience in delivering ecological benefit and stakeholder engagement.

You will play a pivotal role supporting our clients in the pre and post planning consent and construction phases where there is an opportunity to make a real impact on the project’s ecological performance.

• Attend the development site to undertake ecological pre‑activity surveys to inform mitigation requirements.
• Provide ecologically sound advice to inform construction programme and methods.
• Act as an accredited agent on relevant protected species licences, depending on experience.
• Liaise with the Project Management teams to promote compliance with management documents (e.g. Species Protection Plans) and review RAMS where ecology is a material factor.
• Act as the primary point of contact for any unexpected protected species encounters, providing proportionate, site‑appropriate solutions.
• Author PEA’s
• Assist in the delivery and / or creation of Habitat Management Plans / Enhancement Plans.
• Author Species Protection Plans / Breeding Bird Protection Plans.
• Uphold NC / client standards and values.
• Promote high levels of performance.
• Deliver toolbox talks where necessary.

Essential Attributes:

• 2 > years relevant industry experience demonstrably predominantly construction phase ecological services (Consultant level).
• An understanding of ecological management during construction, including EIA and consent condition discharge, and the delivery of contractual obligations on site
• An understanding of construction process, contractual awareness, and CDM duty holder responsibilities / Environmental roles and responsibilities.
• Driving licence and access to own car.
• CSCS card.
• Environmental degree.

Desired Attributes (& opportunities to learn!):

• Species specialism (e.g. bats, badgers, Salmonids, GCN, Ornithology).
• Experience on construction projects.
• GIS/Mapping or Mobile Data Capture experience.
• Self-Motivation: Proactive in seeking new opportunities, learning, and staying updated with legislation and best practices.
• Strategic Thinking: Contributing to business development, client relationships, and long‑term ecological planning.
• Project Management: Coordinating timelines, budgets, and deliverables across multiple projects.
• Clear Communicator: Able to explain complex ecological concepts to non-specialists, clients, and stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Confident in liaising with landowners, planners, regulators (e.g., NatureScot), and community groups.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to assess ecological data, interpret patterns, and make informed decisions.
• Problem‑Solving: Creative and practical approaches to ecological challenges, such as habitat restoration or species management.
• Location: Preferably Scottish Central Belt and willing to travel, with the right to work in the UK.

SALARY / PACKAGE DETAILS:

Basic Salary:

£30,000-£40,000 FTE

Benefits:

• 7% employers pension contribution
• 25 + 8 Holiday allowance
• Health and Wellbeing and Volunteer days
• Private Health insurance
• EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Performance related profit share scheme