Senior Ecologist

APEM; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist for its Terrestrial Ecology team in Edinburgh. The role involves leading ecological surveys, managing projects, and mentoring junior staff within a hybrid work model. The ideal candidate will have experience in protected species surveys and ecological assessments, possess strong communication skills, and hold or be eligible for CIEEM membership. This position offers opportunities for continuous development and work on significant projects in Scotland and beyond.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Access to mental health support

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience writing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and protected species reports.
• Knowledge of UK/EU environmental legislation and survey guidance.
• Experience leading and motivating junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own small and medium-scale ecological projects.
• Lead protected species and habitat surveys across Scotland.
• Contribute to tenders, reporting, and client liaison.

Skills

Experience in Phase 1 Habitat surveys

Background in protected species surveys

Strong organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

Full or Associate membership of CIEEM (or eligible)

Tools

GIS systems (QGIS/ArcGIS)

Driving licence

Job description

About The Role

Are you an Ecologist and looking for an opportunity to step up and take on more responsibility? Do you enjoy leading surveys and mentoring junior colleagues? Are you looking for variety with a balance of field and office-based work, and ready to progress your career by managing your own projects?

We’re looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our Terrestrial Ecology team based in Edinburgh. This is a hybrid role, with around 50% of your time spent in the field, leading protected species and habitat surveys across Scotland and the north of England. You’ll also contribute to tenders, reporting, and client liaison, with opportunities to support projects in Ireland too.

In this role, you’ll combine technical expertise with consultancy delivery. You’ll manage your own small and medium-scale projects, support complex ecological assessments (PEA, EcIA, ES chapters), and play a key role in maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships. You’ll also mentor junior staff, helping to develop the next generation of ecologists. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced ecologist who enjoys both technical delivery and leadership, working in the stunning landscape of Scotland, with a clear pathway to Principal Ecologist.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

• Experience in Phase 1 Habitat and/or UK Habitats Classification surveys
• Strong background in protected species surveys (e.g. bats, otter, water vole, birds)
• Experience writing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species reports, and Ecological Impact Assessments
• Knowledge of UK/EU environmental legislation, planning policy and survey guidance
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Full or Associate membership of CIEEM (or eligible)
• A full UK driving licence, with flexibility to travel (including overnight stays)

Desirable experience includes

• Using GIS systems (QGIS/ArcGIS)
• Preparing bids and tenders, or experience winning work
• Holding one or more protected species licences (or eligible for FISC Level 4+ in botany)
• Experience leading and motivating junior staff

This is your chance to work on nationally significant projects, expand your ecological expertise, and shape your career towards Principal Ecologist level.

You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, many of our employees have worked on projects that have been of personal interest to them. We match this with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. We also offer benefits to look after you, from private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.

Next steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need some basic information and your CV, we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applications.

About Us

The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy, we work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally. Our successful pioneering work has enabled us to grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working towards the protection of the environment across the globe.