Overview
At AtkinsRéalis, our team of ecologists works throughout the UK to deliver a diverse range of challenging projects that benefit clients, biodiversity and society. As the company expands across Scotland, we are looking for an enthusiastic Ecologist to join our established Scottish ecology team. This role supports clients, contributes to new approaches, and offers the opportunity to develop a career across all aspects of project delivery.
Responsibilities
* Provide ecological input to a varied range of projects across different sectors, including leading on infrastructure projects, managing project programmes and budgets.
* Undertake the role of Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) on large and significant design‑and‑build projects covering a range of ecological constraints; provide toolbox talks, monitor compliance with planning conditions, protected species licences and method statements.
* Plan, coordinate and carry out field surveys; analyse and interpret survey results.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
* Design and co‑ordinate ecological mitigation.
* Author and review a range of ecological reports and licence applications.
* Manage work enquiries, prepare bids and build client relationships.
* Identify, raise, manage and mitigate risks, particularly within a project/framework environment.
* Provide innovation on projects and within the ecology team.
Qualifications
* Degree in ecology, life sciences or closely related field.
* Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), or equivalent; AtkinsRéalis will cover membership costs.
* Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation.
* Strong protected species survey/field identification skills; demonstrated competency to capable level in line with CIEEM’s Competency Framework to lead protected species surveys.
* Ideally Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 3 or above, or equivalent skills.
* Experience implementing and monitoring ecological mitigation on site during construction (e.g. translocations, watching briefs, exclusion zones, habitat protection measures).
* Ability to act as the first point of contact for contractors and advise on ecological risk during construction, delivering practical and proportionate mitigation solutions in line with nature conservation legislation.
* Strong report‑writing and record‑keeping skills, including preparing Preliminary Ecological Assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments, site‑visit reports and compliance audit trails.
* Protected species survey licence(s) desirable; a NatureScot bat‑licenced ecologist particularly desirable.
* Strong collaborative behaviours to interface with multi‑disciplinary teams, market teams and other stakeholders.
* Understanding of biodiversity enhancements in line with the National Planning Framework 4 and ability to distinguish between enhancements and compensation.
* Willingness to travel across Scotland, with a full UK/EEC driving licence.
Benefits and rewards
Competitive salaries, flexible working, a hybrid working culture, flexible holiday allowances and a range of benefits tailored to your health, wellbeing and lifestyle. Opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise.
Security clearance
Depending on the project, this role may require security clearance. Employment offers will be conditional on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by UKSV and may require proof of UK residency for 5 years or longer.
Equality, diversity & inclusion
At AtkinsRéalis we are an Equal Opportunities Employer and are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they belong. We offer a range of family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups. If you meet the essential criteria, we are a Disability‑Confident Leader and will offer an interview to all applicants who have a disability.
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