At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects, manage teams, and analyse complex ecological data.
- Company: Join a passionate ecology team at LUC, dedicated to wildlife and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, employee ownership, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with exciting projects across the UK and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature and communities while advancing your career in ecology.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecological consultancy, project management, and strong knowledge of UK wildlife.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
This role can be based from either our Edinburgh or Glasgow office. LUC’s ecology team is passionate about creating opportunities for wildlife and people to thrive together. With established teams in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Sheffield, Edinburgh and Glasgow, we support a huge range of projects, at local and national levels. We’re enthusiastic about finding new ways to apply emerging ecological principles and methods to the most challenging of policy and development projects, and we have fun working together along the way. We’re currently supporting some of the most exciting projects in UK consultancy.
Working alongside colleagues and partners, we will apply our skills to projects ranging from energy generation to historic building restoration, regenerative agriculture to strategic biodiversity enhancement plans. All with the aim of achieving our strategic mission of delivering better futures for nature, people and place.
We require a Principal Ecological Consultant to join our thriving team in Scotland to help deliver our exciting renewable energy generation and transmission orderbook, while also contributing to our wider portfolio of development and nature restoration projects. The role will involve:
- Preparing tender responses and fee proposals.
- Designing, overseeing the implementation of, and delivering a wide range of ecological surveys.
- Managing projects in line with LUC’s internal Project Management System.
- Engaging with project clients and their stakeholders.
- Analysing and interpreting complex ecological data.
- Preparing and reviewing draft consultancy reports.
- Line managing junior colleagues and supporting their development.
This role would suit an experienced ecological consultant ready to take the next step in their career in a science-led team. There will be opportunities to collaborate with our wider ecology team as well as our specialists in Strategic Ecology, Arboriculture, Agri-environment, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Heritage, GIS and Visualisation and support staff.
The role includes the opportunity to share and participate actively in the management and ownership of the business through the Employee Ownership Trust, which places full ownership of the company with the employees. The role is based in LUC’s offices in Edinburgh or Glasgow. We work in a hybrid model with people being in the office a minimum of two days per week. There will also be travel required to visit sites, client offices and other office locations.
A full-time role is based on 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). However, LUC has a strong track record in flexible working, and we have been recognised for our flexible working culture, so we are happy to discuss a range of flexible working options for this role including part time hours (minimum 30 hours per week) if desired.
Experience and qualifications
The successful candidate will join our ecology team, contributing to the delivery of projects and supporting the wider team. You will share our commitment to high quality science and be motivated to grow your ecology field skills.
- Strong understanding of wildlife in the UK, gained through further / higher education or practical experience.
- Comprehensive understanding of UK nature conservation legislation and policy.
- Good understanding of the development management process in Scotland.
- Wide-ranging experience in habitat and protected species survey, including survey design, data management and analysis.
- Experience in the preparation and review of ecological consultancy reports, including preliminary ecological appraisals, protected species survey reports and Ecological Impact Assessment.
- Experience of engaging with commercial clients and their stakeholders.
- Experience of line management responsibilities.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Willingness to work across the UK, with some trips away from home (all costs and expenses covered by LUC).
- Willingness to occasionally work antisocial hours, particularly during the bat survey season when night shift work may be necessary.
- An understanding of renewable energy consenting mechanisms.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. LUC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. We value the differences, needs and contributions a diverse workforce represents, and we strive to embed equality, diversity and inclusion in all our people related activities.
Principal Ecologist employer: LUC
LUC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in either Edinburgh or Glasgow, where our ecology team passionately collaborates on innovative projects that benefit both wildlife and communities. With a strong commitment to employee ownership, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact on nature and society. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering better futures for nature, people, and place.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecology field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching LUC’s projects and values. Show us that you’re not just passionate about ecology but also about how you can contribute to our mission of delivering better futures for nature, people, and place.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Principal Ecologist. We want to hear about your ecological surveys and project management skills, so make sure you can articulate them clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Ecology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for ecology shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission of creating opportunities for wildlife and people to thrive together.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in ecological consultancy. We’re looking for someone who understands UK nature conservation legislation and has hands-on experience with habitat and protected species surveys, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the role's requirements. Remember, we’re busy too, so make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at LUC
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK wildlife and nature conservation legislation. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of ecological principles and how they apply to real-world projects.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since the role involves managing projects, be ready to share your experiences with project management. Highlight any tools or systems you've used, like LUC’s internal Project Management System, and discuss how you’ve successfully delivered projects on time and within budget.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience engaging with clients and stakeholders. Think of examples where you’ve effectively communicated complex ecological data or reports, and how you’ve built relationships that contributed to project success.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Abilities
As this role includes line management responsibilities, be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring junior colleagues. Share specific instances where you’ve supported their development and how you foster a collaborative team environment.
