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- Tasks: Lead the Ecology Team and manage ecological projects focused on woodland creation and management.
- Company: Join Tilhill, a national leader in environmental management and ecological services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health plan, pension, 31 days holiday, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant ecology qualifications, CIEEM membership, and 10+ years of experience.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to personal development await you!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Principal Ecologist
- Location – Central Scotland
- Full Time
Tilhill is at the forefront of the provision of nature-based solutions that help fight climate change in the most natural way.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to join the Company. This is a key role, responsible for managing the Ecology Team and providing a source of expert advice to the Company\’s staff and clients on all ecological matters with particular emphasis on woodland creation, woodland management and harvesting projects.
Day to day, this will include representing and promoting the Company\’s environmental standards, delivering ecological services and undertaking or managing the ecological surveys for habitats, birds, and protected species, applying for and managing protected species licences, developing budget plans, liaising with clients, supervision of assigned ecological contractors and consultants, developing training materials and delivering ecological / environmental training to employees, identifying and developing new ecological business opportunities, as well as other aspects of Health, Safety, Sustainability and Environmental Management.
About You:
We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, driven, enthusiastic, reliable and adaptable.
In addition to this, you will have:
- Relevant academic qualifications in ecology, environment, land use or other related discipline.
- Full Membership of CIEEM.
- At least 10 years\’ operational experience as ecologist.
- Understanding of wildlife legislation (e.g. W&CA 1981) and wildlife licensing.
- Experience of peatland ecology; peatland management and restoration including experience of Peatland Action / Peatland Carbon Code.
- Proven experience of working on Ecological Impact Assessments, managing surveys (habitats, protected species, birds) to common survey standards.
- Strong client relationship management skills.
- Motivational and negotiating skills.
- Well-developed organisational, communication and planning skills.
- Strong commercial acumen.
- Driving licence and willingness to travel as required.
Benefits:
In return, you can look forward to being part of a talented and well-motivated team, together with first-class opportunities for both personal and career development in a truly national and integrated company. In addition to a competitive salary and company car, this position also includes excellent benefits such as:
- Company provided health plan and life assurance policy.
- Company sick pay, enhanced with length of service.
- Company pension.
- 31 days (inclusive of bank holidays) holiday entitlement, enhanced with length of service.
- Funded learning and career development opportunities.
- Discounted rate on a range of BSW products.
- Employee benefits portal with access to exclusive deals and discounts on 100s of high street brands, utilities, eating out and more!
- Confidential 24/7 support with Wellbeing Hub.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
To apply, please visit our careers page at and apply online.
Closing Date: 31st January 2025
The Company\’s Job Applicant Privacy Notice is available at
Tilhill is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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Principal Ecologist employer: BSW Group
Contact Detail:
BSW Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in ecological impact assessments and managing surveys. This role requires at least 10 years of operational experience, so be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the latest wildlife legislation and licensing requirements, especially those related to peatland ecology. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will show your commitment to environmental standards and your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Strong client relationship management skills are crucial for this position, so think of instances where you’ve gone above and beyond to meet client needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership abilities by discussing any experience you have in supervising teams or training others. This role involves managing the Ecology Team, so demonstrating your capability to lead and motivate others will be key.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant academic qualifications and at least 10 years of operational experience as an ecologist. Emphasize your expertise in woodland creation, management, and ecological impact assessments.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your motivation for the role and how your skills align with the company's needs. Mention your full membership of CIEEM and your understanding of wildlife legislation to demonstrate your qualifications.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail your experience with peatland ecology and management, including any work related to the Peatland Action or Peatland Carbon Code. Highlight your client relationship management skills and any training you have delivered.
Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, review all documents for accuracy and completeness. Ensure that you follow the application instructions provided on the company's careers page.
How to prepare for a job interview at BSW Group
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Principal Ecologist, it's crucial to demonstrate your extensive knowledge in ecology, particularly in woodland creation and management. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and the ecological principles you applied.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing the Ecology Team, emphasize your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed contractors, and delivered training to others in the field.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Management
Strong client relationship management skills are essential for this position. Prepare to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships with clients, and provide examples of successful negotiations or collaborations.
✨Understand Relevant Legislation
Familiarize yourself with wildlife legislation and licensing, especially the W&CA 1981. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated these regulations in past roles and how they impact ecological assessments and management.
