At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological surveys and manage projects across Scotland, making a real impact in renewables.
- Company: Boutique consultancy known for high-quality ecological services and a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and paid training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant growth potential in a reputable consultancy.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and influence the future of ecology in exciting infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in ecology with strong ornithology skills and project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Company
This boutique consultancy has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality ecological services across Scotland, particularly within the renewables and infrastructure sectors. With a growing pipeline of overhead line (OHL), wind, and wider infrastructure projects, the business is now looking for a Principal Ecologist (with ornithology experience preferred) to take ownership of project delivery, client relationships, and technical outputs, while supporting the development of the wider team.
About the Role
As Principal Ecologist, you will:
- Lead and deliver ecological surveys across Scotland, including remote upland locations
- Manage field programmes, data analysis, and technical reporting
- Support ecological assessments for renewables, OHL, and infrastructure projects
- Collaborate with clients, project managers, and internal specialists to provide clear, practical advice
- Contribute to the growth and strategic development of the ecology function
- Represent the business with professionalism, technical credibility, and a solutions-focused approach
Qualifications
- 7+ years’ experience in ecology
- Strong technical expertise (ornithology preferred; botany or other specialisms also valuable)
- Proven experience in designing, delivering, and reporting on bird and ecological surveys
- Strong project management capability
- Full CIEEM membership (essential)
- Experience in renewables, infrastructure, or OHL projects (desirable)
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel frequently to remote sites
- The ability to work independently within a small, high-performing team
- CSCS card (preferred)
Required Skills
- Strong technical expertise (ornithology preferred; botany or other specialisms also valuable)
- Proven experience in designing, delivering, and reporting on bird and ecological surveys
- Strong project management capability
- Full CIEEM membership (essential)
Preferred Skills
- Experience in renewables, infrastructure, or OHL projects (desirable)
- CSCS card (preferred)
Pay range and compensation package
- Salary: £45,000–£50,000
- Annual performance bonus (c. £1,000 last year)
- Paid training and development budget
- Private healthcare
- Access to company vehicles
- Significant opportunity to influence and grow within a scaling consultancy
- Supportive, collaborative team with strong industry reputation and robust ISO systems
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.
Ecologist in Scotland employer: Eden Scott
This boutique consultancy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusivity. With a strong reputation in ecological services across Scotland, particularly in renewables and infrastructure, employees benefit from a generous salary package, annual performance bonuses, and a dedicated training budget, all while having the opportunity to influence and grow within a scaling team of experts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecologist in Scotland
✨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 Ecologist in Scotland
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 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.