Senior Field Ecologist

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

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior Field Ecologist to join their Scottish team. This role involves managing ecological projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and mentoring junior staff, within a collaborative environment. Applicants should have relevant academic qualifications and strong experience in various ecological survey methods, along with a commitment to sustainability and professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

Structured career framework

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in ecological consultancy.
• Competence in various ecological surveying techniques.
• Understanding of ecological legislation in Scotland and the UK.

Responsibilities

• Managing ecological aspects of projects including wind farms.
• Preparing fee proposals and technical reviews.
• Supervising and mentoring ecology staff.

Skills

Ecological surveying

Project management

Client liaison

Education

BSc Ecology

MSc (desirable)

Job description

Job Title

Senior Field Ecologist

Vacancy No

VN4046

Employment Type

Permanent

Contract Type

Full-Time

Advert

Due to continued business growth, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Ecologist to join our Scottish ecology team in a Senior Field role.

Based from our Glasgow, Edinburgh or Stirling offices (hybrid working available - applicants from other locations will be considered), you will play a lead role in undertaking and delivering a range of projects across our business sectors, particularly including Renewables and Built Environment.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to be responsible for the delivery of ecology inputs to a number of large and complex projects.

We will close the role when we have received a sufficient number of applications, so please do not delay in applying for the position.

The role

The role will involve work on field surveys and mitigation projects relating to ornithology, protected/notable mammals and habitats. You may also have the opportunity to be involved in herpetofauna, fish habitat and invertebrate surveys.
Due to the Duties will suit your career ambitions and skills and may include some of the following:

• Managing / overseeing ecological aspects of projects, advising clients on schemes such as wind farms, built environment and infrastructure projects
• Preparation of fee proposals and scope of works, report writing and technical review of peer and sub-contractor reports
• Supervision and mentoring of ecology staff. Depending on skills and experience, the role may also include staff management and leading work on particular ecological specialisms
• Scheduling, managing and ensuring delivery of ecological survey work packages on time and budget, using in-house and occasionally sub-contractor staff
• Liaising with other SLR technical teams on a variety of subjects including planning, landscape, hydrology, noise and air quality whilst working closely with senior members of the ecology team in other SLR offices, both in UK and overseas

The role will involve working with other team members located across the UK and may require short-term travel across the UK

About us

SLR are global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 3,000 employees across 6 regions, including over 1,000 across Europe. SLR’s ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business; providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.

Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, critical illness cover and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days’ annual leave, SLR offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, and our family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and family life.

About you

You will have demonstrable experience in a range of different areas of ecological consultancy practice, and would be able to lead and mentor others within the team. You should be able to demonstrate competence in ecological surveying (whether terrestrial ecology, botany, ornithology or another specialism) and have an understanding of the relevant ecological legislation and policy within Scotland and throughout the UK.

• BSc Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent (MSc desirable) and eligible for Qualifying or Associate level CIEEM membership
• Good theoretical grounding in ecology and environmental assessment and be able to demonstrate experience in a range of ecological survey techniques
• Botanical skills and experience of habitat surveys would be an advantage, along with specialist fauna surveys (bats, reptiles, amphibians, water voles, otters, birds or invertebrates)
• Experience in project management duties including planning and scheduling surveys, budget management and client liaison.
• Protected /notable species survey experience of relevance to Scotland
• Ornithological, botanical, terrestrial or freshwater fauna surveys

If you are interested, and hold a full UK driving licence, we would love to hear from you.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional DE&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently underrepresented at SLR, such as: LGBTQ+ people, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.

Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Country

United Kingdom

Office

Edinburgh