At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological surveys and manage diverse renewable energy projects across Scotland.
- Company: Established UK environmental consultancy with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Employee profit share, generous holiday, life assurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Shape the future of renewable energy while making a positive impact on Scotland's landscapes.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of UK wildlife and conservation legislation; project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
A well‑established UK environmental consultancy is expanding its Scottish ecology team and is seeking a Principal Ecological Consultant to take a leading role across a diverse and growing project portfolio. This is an opportunity to shape ecological input on major renewable energy and grid infrastructure schemes while contributing to some of Scotland’s most forward‑thinking landscape‑scale restoration initiatives.
About the Role
- Lead and oversee ecological surveys and field programmes across a wide range of habitats.
Responsibilities
- Manage complex, multi‑disciplinary projects and act as a primary client contact.
- Provide senior technical review of ecological reports, assessments 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.
- Extensive involvement in onshore renewable energy generation – predominantly wind, but also hydrogen, battery storage and solar – with a steady pipeline of large, complex sites.
- Long‑standing support to Scotland’s electricity transmission and distribution networks, working across the full grid area with multiple operators.
- Community infrastructure projects such as hospitals, schools, community facilities and defence‑estate modernisation.
- Climate‑mitigation schemes including flood‑defence and resilience projects.
- Strategic ecology and landscape‑scale restoration, partnering with national parks, local authorities, private estates, major landowners and environmental NGOs.
- Biodiversity restoration programmes with long‑term clients in the conservation and rewilding space, plus emerging work with progressive land‑management organisations.
- Ecological input to Local Authority development planning, including LNCS reviews and related 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 options.
Pay range
- Employee‑ownership profit share (up to £3.6k annually, tax‑free).
- Life assurance at 4× salary.
- 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays (with buy/sell options).
- Group Income Protection.
Qualifications
- 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.
- Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.
Senior Ecological Consultant – Renewable Energy employer: Eden Scott
Join a leading UK environmental consultancy that champions ecological integrity and sustainability in Scotland's vibrant landscape. With a strong focus on employee development, our collaborative work culture fosters mentorship and innovation, while offering competitive benefits such as profit sharing and flexible working arrangements. Be part of impactful projects in renewable energy and biodiversity restoration, contributing to a greener future in a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecological Consultant – Renewable Energy
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to hear about your ecological surveys and project management skills – let’s make it memorable!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every job is unique, so let’s tailor our conversations to match! Research the company and its projects, and be ready to discuss how your expertise can contribute to their goals in renewable energy and ecological restoration.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission in the ecological sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecological Consultant – Renewable Energy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Ecological Consultant role. Highlight your experience with ecological surveys, project management, and any relevant renewable energy projects to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about ecology and renewable energy. Share specific examples of your work that align with our projects and values at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise in ecological assessments and reports. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge of UK conservation legislation and survey methods, so make it clear!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing Scottish ecology team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Scott
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK wildlife, survey methods, and ecological principles. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role, especially in renewable energy contexts.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects. Talk about how you've acted as a primary client contact and what strategies you used to keep everything on track.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their current projects and how you can contribute. This shows your interest in the company and the role, plus it gives you insight into their work culture.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your experience with ecological reports, assessments, and deliverables. Prepare to discuss specific methodologies you've used and any challenges you've faced, along with how you overcame them.
