Principal Ecologist: Lead Biodiversity & Habitat Projects

SLR Vision Interface System; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with discretionary

Company pension

Private medical insurance

Life, income, and travel insurance

Hybrid working

25 days' annual leave

Job summary

SLR Vision Interface System seeks a Principal Ecologist to join our Ecology & Biodiversity team in Scotland, based in Glasgow with flexibility for Edinburgh or remote Scotland work. You will lead ecological projects, mentor staff and help grow Biodiversity Net Gain capabilities.

You will design and manage surveys, deliver high‑quality reports, manage budgets, and build strong client relationships across renewables, grid and habitat restoration projects.

Qualifications

• Strong experience of undertaking habitat surveys across upland habitat types.
• Experience with environmental planning systems and ecological impact assessments.
• Knowledge of European Birds and Habitats Directives and assessment methods.
• Experience in NVC and UKHab survey and assessment.
• Proven people management and mentoring skills with a collaborative approach.
• Comprehensive project management experience across diverse workloads.
• Ability to prepare high‑quality technical reports and deliver to clients on time and to budget.
• Higher degree in ecology or equivalent professional experience.
• Ability to build relationships with clients, regulators and advisers.

Responsibilities

• Design, manage and deliver ecological and habitat restoration surveys.
• Oversee specialist habitat survey, analysis and reporting (NVC/UKHab).
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain work and develop this service area.
• Project manage ecology and peat projects within budgets and timelines.
• Prepare and review Ecological Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Coordinate high‑quality tender and proposal submissions.
• Develop strong relationships with clients, regulators and advisers.
• Provide line management and mentoring to colleagues.

Skills

Habitat surveys

NVC survey

UKHab survey

Project management

Mentoring

Client engagement

Education

Higher degree in ecology

Job description

SLR Vision Interface System seeks a Principal Ecologist to join our Ecology & Biodiversity team in Scotland, based in Glasgow with flexibility for Edinburgh or remote Scotland work. You will lead ecological projects, mentor staff and help grow Biodiversity Net Gain capabilities.

You will design and manage surveys, deliver high‑quality reports, manage budgets, and build strong client relationships across renewables, grid and habitat restoration projects.