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- Tasks: Lead projects, manage teams, and provide expert advice on ecology and biodiversity.
- Company: Join a top environmental consultancy dedicated to making a real difference in biodiversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days leave, hybrid working, competitive salary, and exciting perks like social events and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape your career while contributing to meaningful ecological solutions and supporting a passionate team.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in Ecology or related field; membership in a relevant professional body preferred.
- Other info: Flexible location with weekly office visits to Grangemouth; ideal for creative problem solvers.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Principal Consultant or Associate Director Ecology and Biodiversity to support the growth of the Ecology & Biodiversity Team in Scotland. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to take on a wide variety of challenges, including management of people, clients and projects, technical leadership, business development, commercial management, and delivery of training.
While the location can be flexible, we are ideally looking for someone who can commute to our offices in Grangemouth at least once per week. Our tagline is ‘See A Difference’, and we are proud to provide clients with real-world, pragmatic and focused advice which seeks to support our clients as well as providing benefits to biodiversity.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess a BSc and/or MSc in Ecology or related discipline and a Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
Essential Skills
- Line management or team management
- Review / QA of fee proposals, tenders and technical reports
- The ability to talk to clients about complex problems using plain language
- Knowledge of the planning system in Scotland
- Ability to manage project budgets
- Developing business through delivering a good service, and being reliable / communicative with clients
- The ability to support and help develop less senior staff
Desirable Skills
- A protected species licence holder (Schedule 1, great crested newt, bats, badger otter)
- Ornithology survey, assessment and mitigation experience
- Experience of stakeholder consultation, such as with Nature Scot, the SEPA and local planning authorities
- A willingness to be inventive and creative in developing ecological solutions to novel problems
Interested? Apply now!
Associate Director Ecology and Biodiversity OR Principal Consultant employer: Gaia Talent
Contact Detail:
Gaia Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Ecology and Biodiversity OR Principal Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the ecology and biodiversity field. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and clients. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in ecology and biodiversity, particularly those relevant to Scotland. Being knowledgeable about current issues will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in line management and team leadership. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed projects or mentored junior staff, as these skills are crucial for the role you're applying for.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to communicate complex ecological concepts in plain language. Practice explaining technical topics to a non-specialist audience, as this skill is essential for client interactions and will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Ecology and Biodiversity OR Principal Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in ecology and biodiversity. Emphasise any line management or team management roles you've held, as well as your qualifications like a BSc or MSc in a related discipline.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for ecology and biodiversity. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage clients and projects effectively, and how you can contribute to the company's mission of providing pragmatic advice.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your essential skills such as reviewing fee proposals, communicating complex problems in plain language, and managing project budgets. If you have any desirable skills, like a protected species licence or experience with stakeholder consultation, be sure to include those too.
Showcase Professional Development: Mention any memberships in professional bodies, such as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), and any continuing professional development activities you've undertaken. This shows your commitment to the field and your willingness to grow professionally.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gaia Talent
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Since the role involves line management and team leadership, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led a project or mentored junior staff.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in ecology and biodiversity. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the planning system in Scotland and how it impacts ecological projects.
✨Communicate Clearly
The ability to explain complex ecological issues in plain language is crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical reports or proposals.
✨Prepare for Business Development Questions
As business development is a key part of the role, think about how you can contribute to growing the Ecology & Biodiversity Team. Prepare examples of how you've previously developed client relationships or delivered excellent service.
