Principal Ecologist

SLR Consulting; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced ecological professional to join their dynamic team in Scotland. This role offers a unique opportunity to manage and oversee ecological projects, providing mentorship to a growing team while contributing to impactful projects in renewable energy and infrastructure. With a commitment to sustainability and professional development, this consultancy fosters a collaborative environment where your expertise will be valued. If you are passionate about ecology and eager to lead projects that make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Healthcare

Pension

Life Insurance

Critical Illness Cover

Flexible Working Arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in ecological consultancy and project management.
• Field survey skills including habitat surveys and mitigation design.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecological aspects of projects and mentor team members.
• Prepare fee proposals, reports, and manage complex survey work.

Skills

Ecological Consultancy

Project Management

Business Development

Field Survey Skills

Technical Report Writing

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Tools

Environmental Impact Assessments

Habitat Regulations Assessments

Job description

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Full Job Description

SLR has an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecological professional to join our European team at SLR’s Associate or Principal level, based in our Scotland Team, ideally near one of our regional offices in Glasgow or Edinburgh (remote home working may be considered). You will play a managerial role in undertaking and delivering a range of projects across our business sectors, particularly including Renewables/Power, Energy Infrastructure, and Built Environment. This role presents an exciting opportunity to be responsible for the delivery of ecology inputs to a wide range of projects, including renewables, residential development, and corporate biodiversity policy and strategy.

With over 100 experienced Ecology professionals undertaking a wide range of projects throughout the UK and Ireland, SLR Consulting leads the way in providing exemplar advice and services. We have a real passion for what we do, and due to continued commercial success, we have fantastic opportunities for experienced professionals to become part of the SLR team.

The successful candidate would demonstrate skills in various areas of ecological consultancy practice, able to manage and mentor others in their chosen specialism, and ideally have an ecological specialization, whether it is habitat survey, protected species, ornithology, or another skill. The candidate should also have experience in business development, client and project management, preferably gained in a commercial consultancy environment.

As a forward-thinking consultancy with ambitious growth plans, SLR is a global consultancy offering significant potential for career development and enhancement depending on performance. Our One Team culture and straightforward approach to project and budget management give everyone the opportunity to progress and work on interesting projects with valued clients.

The Role

This key position involves managing and overseeing ecological aspects of projects, as well as providing support and mentorship for the growing team.

You would likely lead on:

• Management of ecological aspects of development and land management projects, advising clients on schemes in renewable energy, built environment, infrastructure, and mining and minerals sectors.
• Design and delivery of post-consent habitat management and monitoring strategies.
• Preparation of fee proposals and scope of works, report writing, and technical review of peer and sub-contractor reports.
• Supervision and mentoring of ecology staff. Depending on skills and experience, the role may also include staff management and leading work on particular ecological specialisms.
• Scheduling, managing, and ensuring delivery of complex ecological survey work packages on time and within budget, using in-house and sometimes sub-contractor staff.
• Liaising with other SLR technical teams on subjects including planning, landscape, hydrology, noise, and air quality, working closely with senior ecology team members across UK offices.
• Seeking business development opportunities to expand ecology and other services in the region.

About us

SLR is a global leader in environmental and advisory solutions, helping clients achieve sustainability goals. With over 3000 employees across 6 regions—including over 1000 in Europe—our ‘one team’ culture fosters collaboration and professional development. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including a pension, healthcare, travel, life insurance, critical illness cover, and a structured career framework with regular reviews for progression. We also promote flexible, agile, and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, alongside family-friendly policies.

About you

Passionate about ecology, committed to delivering high-quality work, and supporting the development of other ecological professionals, you'll use your ecological specialization—whether habitat survey, protected species, ornithology, or another skill—and demonstrate knowledge across ecological consultancy practices. Leadership and mentorship skills are essential, along with experience in business development, client, and project management, preferably gained in a consultancy setting.

In addition, you will bring:

• Demonstrable field survey skills, including habitat surveys and survey/mitigation design for protected species.
• Skills in project management, planning, health and safety procedures, budgeting, and technical report writing.
• Experience producing and managing ecological chapters for Environmental Impact Assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments, and Habitat Regulations Assessments.
• Experience designing ecological enhancement plans and integrating measures early in project schemes.
• A proven track record in project acquisition, delivery, and management.
• Experience across sectors such as renewables, infrastructure, built environment, and mining/minerals.
• A valid UK driving license.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SLR

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, fostering an inclusive environment through our Regional DE&I Committees, Global Council, and Employee Networks, where all individuals can thrive regardless of background. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups including LGBTQ+, ethnic minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities, including neurodivergent persons.

For more information on our DE&I initiatives, please visit our website.

To apply

If you're interested, we would love to hear from you. Click apply or submit your application at our careers page. Please inform us of any special adjustments needed during the recruitment process. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure equitable support for all applicants.