Senior Ecologist

APEM Ltd; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Access to mental health first aiders

Flexible working options

Continuous development and learning

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy in the UK is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their Terrestrial Ecology team in Edinburgh. This hybrid role includes managing ecological projects, leading habitat and species surveys across Scotland, and mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in ecological assessments and strong communication skills. The company offers private medical insurance, flexible working options, and support for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience in Phase 1 Habitat and/or UK Habitats Classification surveys.
• Strong background in protected species surveys, e.g., bats, otter, water vole.
• Experience writing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Impact Assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead protected species and habitat surveys across Scotland and the north of England.
• Manage small and medium-scale ecological projects.
• Mentor junior staff, developing the next generation of ecologists.

Skills

Phase 1 Habitat surveys

Protected species surveys

Communication skills

GIS systems (QGIS/ArcGIS)

Managing junior staff

Education

Full or Associate membership of CIEEM

Tools

GIS systems (QGIS/ArcGIS)

Job description

Senior Ecologist

APEM Ltd, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

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.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 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)
• 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

Benefits

We offer private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection, superb flexible working options, and a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career.

Next Steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, 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, 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.