At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological surveys and manage projects while mentoring junior ecologists.
- Company: APEM Ltd, a growing company with a focus on ecology and environmental consultancy.
- Benefits: Private medical insurance, mental health support, flexible working, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive team, adaptable roles to fit individual skills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in stunning landscapes while advancing your career in ecology.
- Qualifications: Experience in habitat surveys, protected species, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
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.
Senior Ecologist employer: APEM Ltd
APEM Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead impactful projects in the renewables and infrastructure sectors across Scotland and the UK & Ireland. With a strong emphasis on flexible working arrangements and continuous professional development, APEM fosters a culture of collaboration and mentorship, ensuring that employees grow alongside the company while making a meaningful contribution to sustainable development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like APEM Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like APEM Ltd and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at APEM Ltd.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. APEM Ltd will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Senior Ecologist at APEM Ltd. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at APEM Ltd
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at APEM Ltd, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show APEM Ltd that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
