Principal Ecologist

Embankment Group; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Embankment Group is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join our Edinburgh ecology team. The role combines technical ecology with leadership, project delivery and client engagement on infrastructure, renewables, utilities and environmental projects.

Based in Edinburgh with hybrid working, you will lead complex projects, mentor junior ecologists, manage budgets and programmes, and represent the team with regulators and clients. A relevant ecology degree and Full CIEEM membership are preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in ecological consultancy, environmental regulation, or related professional setting.
• Ability to manage projects and provide technical leadership.
• Full CIEEM membership, or eligibility to progress towards it.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support ecology projects from initial survey through reporting and delivery.
• Mentor Ecologists, plan workload, and support professional development.
• Plan Phase 1 / UKHab surveys and protected species surveys.
• Prepare and review PEA, EcIA, Protected Species Reports, HRAs, Environmental Statement chapters and mitigation licence applications.
• Liaise with regulators and stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, programmes and tenders.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Client engagement

Ecology field surveys

Communication skills

Education

Ecology or environmental degree

Job description

Principal Ecologist - Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh | Hybrid working
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Our client is looking for an experienced Principal Ecologist to join a well-established and growing ecology team in Edinburgh.

This is a senior consultancy role offering a strong mix of technical ecology, project management, client engagement and team leadership. You'll work alongside specialists across Scotland and Ireland on a broad range of infrastructure, renewables, utilities and environmental projects.

The role

As Principal Ecologist, you will take a leading role in the delivery of complex ecology projects while supporting the development of colleagues across the wider team.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and supporting ecology projects from initial survey through to reporting and delivery.
• Managing and mentoring Ecologists at different levels, including workload planning and professional development.
• Supporting wider team resourcing, recruitment, training and technical development.
• Planning and undertaking Phase 1 / UKHab habitat surveys and protected species surveys.
• Working across species including badger, otter, bats, amphibians and reptiles.
• Preparing and reviewing PEAs, EcIAs, Protected Species Reports, HRAs, Environmental Statement chapters and mitigation licence applications.
• Managing clients, budgets, project programmes and competing deadlines.
• Preparing tenders and proposals for new work.
• Liaising and negotiating with regulators, consultees and other stakeholders.
• Providing technical review and quality assurance across project deliverables.
• Sharing technical knowledge and helping develop best practice across the team.

What our client is looking for

The successful candidate is likely to have strong experience within ecological consultancy, environmental regulation or a related professional setting, with the confidence to manage projects and provide technical leadership.

Experience across the following would be particularly valuable:

• Strong knowledge of Scottish ecology policy, legislation and guidance.
• Advanced experience in habitat assessment, botanical survey and/or protected species work.
• Experience producing and reviewing high-quality ecological reports.
• Strong knowledge of EcIA and HRA processes.
• Experience managing projects, budgets and client relationships.
• Experience leading or mentoring other Ecologists.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A relevant ecology or environmental degree.
• Full CIEEM membership, or eligibility to progress towards it.

A protected species survey or mitigation licence, technical specialism or progress towards chartership would be advantageous but is not essential.

Projects

The successful person will have the opportunity to work across a varied portfolio, including:

• Major infrastructure schemes.
• Renewable energy developments.
• Utilities and network improvement programmes.
• Flood defence projects.
• Active travel schemes.
• Green infrastructure and public-realm projects.

Why consider the opportunity?

This role would suit someone who wants to combine technical ecology with leadership and project management, while continuing to develop their own specialist expertise.

Our client offers a supportive multidisciplinary environment with access to experienced Ecologists across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast, alongside opportunities to contribute to large-scale projects throughout Scotland and further afield.