Principal Ecologist

Landuse; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy is seeking a Principal Ecological Consultant to join their team in Scotland. This role involves preparing proposals, conducting ecological surveys, and managing projects while working closely with clients. Candidates should have a strong understanding of UK wildlife and legislation, with experience in ecological consultancy required. The position offers a salary of £39,000 – £47,400 and a hybrid working model. Flexible options for part-time hours are available.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of wildlife in the UK.
• Experience in preparing and reviewing ecological reports.
• Willingness to occasionally work antisocial hours.

Responsibilities

• Preparing tender responses and fee proposals.
• Designing and delivering ecological surveys.
• Engaging with project clients and stakeholders.
• Analysing and interpreting ecological data.

Skills

Understanding of wildlife in the UK

Knowledge of UK nature conservation legislation

Experience in habitat and protected species survey

Project management skills

Experience with ecological consultancy reports

Client engagement skills

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Principal Ecological Consultant – Scotland

LUC’s ecology team is passionate about creating opportunities for wildlife and people to thrive together. We require a Principal Ecological Consultant to join our thriving team in Scotland to help deliver our exciting renewable energy generation and transmission orderbook, while also contributing to our wider portfolio of development and nature restoration projects.

Responsibilities

• Preparing tender responses and fee proposals.
• Designing, overseeing the implementation of, and delivering a wide range of ecological surveys.
• Managing projects in line with LUC’s internal Project Management System.
• Engaging with project clients and their stakeholders.
• Analysing and interpreting complex ecological data.
• Preparing and reviewing draft consultancy reports.
• Line‑managing junior colleagues and supporting their development.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of wildlife in the UK, gained through further or higher education or practical experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of UK nature conservation legislation and policy.
• Good understanding of the development management process in Scotland.
• Wide‑ranging experience in habitat and protected species survey, including survey design, data management and analysis.
• Experience in the preparation and review of ecological consultancy reports, including preliminary ecological appraisals, protected species survey reports and Ecological Impact Assessment.
• Experience of engaging with commercial clients and their stakeholders.
• Experience of line management responsibilities.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to work across the UK, with some trips away from home (all costs and expenses covered by LUC).
• Willingness to occasionally work antisocial hours, particularly during the bat survey season when night shift work may be necessary.
• An understanding of renewable energy consenting mechanisms.

Location: Edinburgh or Glasgow. The role is based in LUC’s offices in Edinburgh or Glasgow and requires a hybrid working model – at least two days per week in the office, with travel to sites and client offices as needed.

Salary: £39,000 – £47,400 FTE (dependent on experience). Flexible working options are available, including part‑time hours (minimum 30 hours per week) if desired.

LUC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we actively encourage applications from under‑represented groups. We value the differences, needs and contributions a diverse workforce represents, and we strive to embed equality, diversity and inclusion in all our people‑related activities.