Senior ECoW

Eden Scott; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Car allowance

Career progression

Professional development

Flexible working

Job summary

Eden Scott is seeking a Senior Ecological Clerk of Works to lead construction-phase ecology across Scotland, supervising ecological compliance and mentoring junior ecologists.

The role focuses on delivering mitigation on active sites, coordinating with project teams and clients, and contributing to the planning and delivery of diverse renewable energy, infrastructure and development projects.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or related field.
• Full membership of CIEEM or eligible to achieve membership.
• Valid CSCS card.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel throughout Scotland.
• Significant experience as an Ecological Clerk of Works or senior ecology role.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological supervision and monitoring on construction sites.
• Ensure ecological mitigation measures comply with licences and legislation.
• Provide pragmatic ecological advice to contractors and clients.
• Monitor compliance with planning conditions and protected species licences.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior ecologists and ECoWs.
• Prepare site reports, monitoring records, and compliance documentation.
• Liaise with statutory bodies, clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Ecology

Site supervision

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Degree in Ecology

CIEEM membership/eligibility

Tools

GIS

Habitat mapping

CSCS card

Job description

Senior Ecological Clerk of Works Salary: £43,000 - £48,000 plus £3,000 car allowance (paid as salary)

Join a Growing Ecology Team An established environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecological Clerk of Works (Senior ECoW) to support and lead the ecological delivery of a diverse portfolio of projects across Scotland. Working across renewable energy, infrastructure, residential, and commercial developments, you will play a vital role in ensuring ecological commitments are delivered effectively throughout the construction process. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned ECoW or senior ecologist looking to focus on construction‑phase ecology while taking on increased responsibility, mentoring colleagues, and acting as a trusted advisor to clients and contractors.

The Role

As a Senior Ecological Clerk of Works, you will oversee ecological compliance and mitigation on active construction sites across Scotland. You will work closely with project managers, contractors, clients, regulators, and ecological teams to ensure environmental obligations are met while supporting efficient project delivery. In addition to site supervision, you will provide technical guidance to junior ECoWs and ecologists, contribute to project planning, and help maintain high standards across the consultancy's ecological services. Projects may include wind farm developments, battery energy storage systems, transmission infrastructure, housing developments, transport infrastructure, and major commercial schemes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ecological supervision and monitoring activities on construction and development sites.
• Ensure ecological mitigation measures are implemented in accordance with project requirements, licences, and environmental legislation.
• Provide pragmatic ecological advice to contractors, project teams, and clients.
• Monitor compliance with ecological commitments, planning conditions, and protected species licences.
• Identify and resolve ecological issues arising during construction activities.
• Prepare site reports, monitoring records, toolbox talks, and compliance documentation.
• Liaise with statutory bodies, clients, and stakeholders as required.
• Support protected species surveys, mitigation, and licensed works where appropriate.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior ecologists and ECoWs.
• Contribute to the continuous development of ecological procedures, standards, and best practice within the business.

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology, or a related discipline.
• Full membership of CIEEM or demonstrable eligibility to achieve membership.
• Valid CSCS card.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel throughout Scotland.
• Significant experience working as an Ecological Clerk of Works or in a senior ecology consultancy role.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and ecological best practice.
• Experience overseeing ecological mitigation during construction projects.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence contractors, clients, and project stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage priorities across multiple projects.
• Confidence working independently and making sound ecological decisions on site.

Desirable

• NatureScot protected species licence(s).
• Experience leading ecological teams or mentoring junior staff.
• Renewable energy and major infrastructure project experience.
• ECoW accreditation or equivalent industry-recognised training.
• First Aid qualification.
• 4x4 driver training.
• GIS, digital data collection, or habitat mapping experience.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies.

Working Environment

This is a predominantly site‑based role requiring regular travel throughout Scotland and occasional periods away from home. You will work on a variety of active construction sites, often in remote locations and varied environmental conditions. While some home‑based working will be available for reporting, project coordination, and administrative tasks, the primary focus of the role will be onsite ecological supervision and stakeholder engagement.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of £43,000 - £48,000 depending on experience.
• Additional £3,000 car allowance paid as salary.
• Opportunity to work on some of Scotland’s most significant renewable energy, infrastructure, and development projects.
• Clear progression opportunities within a growing and respected ecology team.
• Ongoing professional development and support for chartership, memberships, and licensing.
• Collaborative and supportive working culture.
• Exposure to a wide range of challenging and rewarding ecological projects.
• Flexible working arrangements where project commitments allow.

If you’re an experienced ECoW looking to take the next step in your career and work on high‑profile projects that contribute to Scotland’s environmental and sustainability goals, we’d love to hear from you.