Senior/Principal Ecologist with Ornithology Specialism in Glasgow

At AtkinsRéalis, our team of ecologists work throughout the UK to deliver a diverse range of challenging and exciting projects that benefit our clients, biodiversity and society. As we grow and expand our portfolio across Scotland, supporting an increasing pipeline of projects and clients spanning all areas of infrastructure development and upgrade, we are seeking an enthusiastic Senior/Principal Ecologist to join our established Scottish ecology team. This role will support our clients, contribute to the development of new approaches to our work, and offer the opportunity to develop a career across all aspects of project delivery, working on projects that shape Scotland’s infrastructure and natural environment. Although you will be aligned to our Glasgow office, all locations will be considered.

Joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant and high‑profile projects, with many of our projects winning awards for biodiversity enhancements, innovation, and knowledge sharing. Our ecology team have previously been awarded CIEEM Large‑Scale Consultancy of the Year Award and been highly commended over a number of years.

Your role:

• Leading on nationally important infrastructure projects, managing project programmes and budgets.
• Planning and undertaking a range of field surveys; analysing and interpreting survey results with a strong focus on ornithology.
• Delivering input into Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitat Regulations Appraisal.
• Designing and co‑ordinating ecological mitigation.
• Authoring and checking/reviewing a range of ecological reports and survey data.
• Providing ecological advice to clients, planners and multi‑disciplinary design teams and liaising with stakeholders.
• Taking a leadership role managing projects, building client relationships and work bank.
• Actively identifying, raising, managing and mitigating risks, particularly within a Project/Framework environment.
• Proactively providing innovation on projects and within the ecology team.
• Coaching, mentoring and supporting other staff members in their development.

About you:

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), or equivalent, and chartership (CEcol or CEnv) or working towards this.
• Strong skills in report writing, including preparing Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Chapters for Environmental Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessment (including Appropriate Assessment).
• Skilled ornithological surveyor including demonstrable competency and proven experience to capable level in line with CIEEM’s Competency Framework to lead bird surveys.
• Range of experience across surveys for both assemblage and species specific surveys with a focus on Scottish/upland species desirable.
• Experience in survey design and data interpretation for multi‑season ornithological surveys.
• Experience of territory and collision risk analysis is desirable.
• The experience and ability to hold or have held Schedule 1 survey licences is strongly desirable.
• Demonstrable experience of working as an assistant or agent on a Schedule 1 licence will also be looked upon favourably.
• Ability and willingness to coordinate and lead other protected species surveys and production of deliverables in line with relevant good practice guidance.
• Experience of undertaking quality assurance and technical lead roles for projects.
• Demonstrable project management experience including technical, financial and quality assurance aspects.
• Experience of working on large infrastructure projects with ability to demonstrate transferable insights and cross‑sector learning.
• Ability and willingness to travel for to site across Scotland, including a full UK/EEC driving licence.

Rewards & benefits:

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Additional information:

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.