Senior or Principal Ecologist

STANTEC; Scotland; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A global environmental consulting firm in Scotland is seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologist to manage ecology surveys and deliver positive biodiversity outcomes. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Ecology or related fields, experience in ecological consultancy, and knowledge of relevant legislation. This role offers a path to develop technical skills in conservation and management plans. Opportunities for career progression are available.

Qualifications

• Full member of CIEEM or working towards it.
• Proven experience in ecological assessments.
• Good attention to detail in report writing.

Responsibilities

• Provide ecological advice to clients.
• Consult with stakeholders for licensing.
• Draft ecological assessment reports.
• Manage field-work delivery.
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain initiatives.

Skills

Ecological consultancy experience

Knowledge of terrestrial ecological issues

Report writing skills

Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain

Education

Degree in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences

Tools

UKHab classification

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Senior or Principal Ecologist who wants to deliver positive biodiversity outcomes for a wide variety of interesting projects.

You will have the opportunity to manage and undertake ecology surveys across various sectors, with projects focusing on infrastructure and transportation, strategic and regeneration residential schemes, energy and resources, and nationally significant projects. You will play a key role in large-scale habitat restoration projects and be able to influence the conservation of habitats and species through well‑thought‑out management plans. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to develop their technical skills through input into Habitat Regulations Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity chapters for Environmental Statements and Landscape and Ecological Management Plans.

The role

As a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you will support the delivery of work undertaken by our multidisciplinary teams.

Day-to-day tasks would include:

• Providing our Clients with sound ecological advice and maximising biodiversity opportunities on projects
• Consulting with external stakeholders as part of the licensing process and designing species management plans
• Drafting and review of reports, such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Phase 2 survey reports and licence applications
• Drafting technical reports such as Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements
• Support the wider UK Team in delivering Biodiversity Net Gain
• Management of the delivery of field-work by Stantec ecologists and our sub-consultants

The role presents a fantastic opportunity to progress your ecological career from site-based surveys to a more technical role. In this role, you will be able to deliver and oversee the inclusion of ecological mitigation in a range of developments.

About You

We are looking for someone who has a passion for delivering effective solutions for our Clients, and a desire to support the growth and development of the business. You will be Degree qualified in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related topic, a full member of CIEEM (or working towards this).

Ideally, you will also have the following:

• Proven experience within a professional ecological consultancy
• A wide understanding of terrestrial ecological issues and preferably a holder of at least one protected species licence or with a specialism in one particular area of field-craft/mitigation delivery
• Demonstrable skills and experience of assessments, including PEA, HRA, EcIA, and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation and policy
• Proven experience in the management of complex projects, including those which require the ability to think laterally
• Experience in compiling fee proposals and project budgets
• A passion for ecology and a desire to support our Clients in promoting positive nature-based solutions
• Experience and working knowledge of UKHab classification and the BNG Defra Metric
• Good report writing skills and attention to detail

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [e-mail] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

ReqID: 6699