At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological surveys and manage diverse projects for renewable energy and landscape restoration.
- Company: Established employee-owned environmental consultancy with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, generous holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape ecological strategies and make a real impact on Scotland's environment.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of UK wildlife, conservation legislation, and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 47000 £ per year.
An established, employee-owned UK environmental consultancy – now over 300 people strong – is expanding its Scottish ecology team and seeking a Principal Ecological Consultant to take a leading role across a diverse and growing project portfolio. This is a chance to shape ecological strategy on major renewable energy and grid infrastructure schemes while contributing to some of Scotland’s most ambitious landscape‑scale restoration initiatives.
Role Overview
- Lead and manage ecological surveys and field programmes across a wide range of habitats
- Oversee complex, multi-disciplinary projects and act as a primary client contact
- Provide senior technical review of ecological assessments, reports and deliverables
- Mentor and support junior and mid‑level ecologists
- Prepare tenders, fee proposals and contribute to business development
- Collaborate closely with specialists in ecology, arboriculture, agri‑environment, landscape, planning, heritage, GIS and visualisation
Project Portfolio
- Onshore renewable energy schemes – primarily wind, with growing involvement in hydrogen, battery storage and solar
- Long‑standing support to Scotland’s electricity transmission and distribution networks across multiple operators
- Community infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, defence‑estate modernisation and public facilities
- Climate‑mitigation and flood‑resilience projects
- Strategic ecology and landscape‑scale restoration with national parks, local authorities, estates, major landowners and environmental NGOs
- Biodiversity restoration and rewilding programmes with long‑term conservation clients and progressive land‑management organisations
- Ecological input to Local Authority development planning, including LNCS reviews and evidence‑base studies
Working Arrangements
- Edinburgh or Glasgow office
- Hybrid working: minimum two days per week in the office
- Full‑time (37.5 hours) with flexible working options
Benefits
- Employee‑ownership profit share (up to £3.6k annually, tax‑free)
- Life assurance at 4× salary
- 25 days’ holiday plus 10 public holidays (with buy/sell options)
- Group Income Protection
- Annual salary review
- Paid volunteering day
Requirements
- Strong understanding of UK wildlife, survey methods and ecological principles
- Solid knowledge of UK conservation legislation and Scottish planning systems
- Experience delivering and reviewing PEA, protected species and EcIA reports
- Confident client engagement and project‑management skills
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to travel and occasionally work outside standard hours
Principal Ecologist employer: Eden Scott
Join an established, employee-owned environmental consultancy in Scotland, where you can lead impactful ecological projects and contribute to significant landscape restoration initiatives. With a strong focus on employee growth, our hybrid working model and generous benefits, including profit sharing and flexible working options, create a supportive and rewarding work culture that values your expertise and fosters collaboration across diverse teams.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal 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 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
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.
