At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team of ecologists while managing exciting ecological projects.
- Company: Respected environmental consultancy in Inverness with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, profit share, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for fully funded overseas ecological study trips after Year 1.
- Why this job: Shape the future of ecology while making a real impact on environmental projects.
- Qualifications: 10 years' experience in ecological consultancy and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Principal Ecologist - Inverness
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 DOE + Car Allowance + Profit Share Location: Inverness (Hybrid & Flexible Working)
A Leadership Opportunity with Real Influence
We're supporting a respected environmental consultancy in Inverness as they look to appoint a Principal Ecologist to play a key role in the leadership and growth of their business.
This is far more than a standard Principal Ecologist position.
Sitting between the Directors and the wider ecology team, you'll be instrumental in helping to shape the future of the business, leading Senior Ecologists and Consultants while maintaining involvement in technically interesting projects across Scotland.
For an ambitious ecology professional looking to move beyond pure project delivery and gain genuine influence over team development, business performance and strategic direction, this represents a unique opportunity.
The Opportunity
As Principal Ecologist, you will work closely with the Directors to support the day-to-day running of the ecology team and wider business operations.
You’ll provide leadership to a growing team of Senior Ecologists and Consultants, oversee the delivery of complex projects, maintain key client relationships and contribute to business growth initiatives.
The consultancy delivers a diverse range of work across
- Renewable energy developments
- Peatland restoration projects
- Woodland creation schemes
- Habitat restoration initiatives
- Infrastructure projects
- Housing and mixed-use developments
- Biodiversity enhancement and nature recovery projects
You’ll have the freedom to continue developing your own specialist interests while helping shape the future direction of the ecology team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor Senior Ecologists and Consultants.
- Work closely with Directors to support the management and growth of the business.
- Take technical responsibility for ecological projects and reports.
- Manage client relationships and develop new business opportunities.
- Review and quality assure technical outputs.
- Support project delivery across renewable energy, habitat restoration and development sectors.
- Provide strategic guidance on ecological and environmental matters.
- Help develop and implement business growth plans.
- Maintain high standards of technical excellence across the team.
About You
We're looking for an experienced ecological consultant with strong technical expertise and proven leadership capability.
Essential
- Approximately 10 years' experience within ecological consultancy or a related field.
- Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological assessment.
- Experience managing complex ecological projects.
- Proven ability to mentor and lead teams.
- Strong commercial awareness and client management skills.
- Excellent report writing and communication abilities.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Protected species licences.
- Membership of CIEEM or working at an equivalent level.
Desirable
- Experience within renewable energy, peatland restoration or habitat creation projects.
- Business development experience.
- Previous responsibility for managing Senior Ecologists or multidisciplinary teams.
- Salary & Benefits
- Car Allowance
- Profit Share Scheme
- Regular salary reviews
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
- Study Trip Incentive
- Fully funded overseas ecological study trip after Year 1
- Fully funded Americas (or equivalent) study trip after Year 2
- Fully funded Asia (or equivalent) study trip after Year 3
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to join a consultancy where your contribution extends well beyond project delivery.
You’ll become a key member of the leadership structure, working directly with the Directors to help drive the business forward while leading and developing a talented team of ecologists.
If you’re an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist looking for greater influence, leadership responsibility and long‑term progression within a flexible and environmentally focused business, we’d be keen to speak with you.
For a confidential discussion or further information, please get in touch.
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Principal Ecologist in Inverness employer: Eden Scott
Join a market-leading developer in the North-East of Scotland, where you will be part of a dynamic commercial team dedicated to delivering high-quality residential projects. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer competitive salaries, generous benefits, and ongoing training opportunities, ensuring that your career can flourish in a supportive and innovative environment. Experience a workplace that values collaboration, excellence, and long-term growth, making it an ideal choice for aspiring Quantity Surveyors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist in Inverness
✨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 Eden Scott.
✨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 Eden Scott and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist in Inverness
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 Eden Scott.
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. Eden Scott 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 Principal Ecologist at Eden Scott. 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 Eden Scott
✨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 Eden Scott, 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 Eden Scott 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.
