Wild Surveys is an ecological consultancy based in Renfrew, working across Scotland to support a wide variety of clients — from government bodies and national construction companies to homeowners looking for guidance on small, local projects. We're a friendly, passionate team specialising in terrestrial ecological surveys, assessments, and practical, down-to-earth advice. Whether we're helping our clients navigate planning requirements or supporting thoughtful development, our aim is always the same: to protect Scotland's wildlife and support people to make informed, responsible decisions about their projects.
As a Senior Ecologist with Wild Surveys Ltd, you'll play a key part in creating meaningful biodiversity outcomes while helping guide the next generation of ecologists. We're looking for someone who is motivated not just by compliance and delivery, but also by curiosity, a passion for nature, and a desire to influence positive change.
Reporting Structure
You'll sit at the heart of our ecological team, reporting directly to the Company Director and Operations Manager. You'll balance fieldwork with supportive, collaborative office time, and you'll help shape how we deliver ecology across Scotland's extraordinary landscapes — from the uplands to the lowlands and to the unique environments of the Scottish islands. Our work includes urban sites, remote power line routes, and much more, helping our clients understand how wildlife uses these habitats and supporting them in incorporating biodiversity enhancements into their developments. This is a role with real variety, in which every survey, whether on a windswept island or a city centre redevelopment site, aims to deliver lasting benefits for wildlife.
Main Duties and Activities
Fieldwork & Ecological Assessment
Lead and deliver a wide range of ecological surveys across Scotland, including habitat surveys (Phase 1/UKHab/NVC), protected species surveys (bats, badgers, otters, water vole, birds, GCN, reptiles, red squirrel, pine marten and beaver), as well as ecological monitoring.
Carry out habitat assessments, biodiversity appraisals, and contribute to habitat retention and enhancement proposals.
Bring your specialist interests, such as plants, rivers, bats, birds, woodlands, invertebrates, or peatlands, to help strengthen our team's knowledge and approach.
Ecological Advice & Reporting
Provide clear, grounded ecological advice to clients and project teams, ensuring nature and policy are equally respected.
Prepare high‑quality reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEAs) and Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs).
Keep accurate records and support robust project documentation.
Collaboration & Client Engagement
Liaise professionally with clients, regulators, landowners, and other stakeholders, helping build strong working relationships rooted in trust and environmental balance.
Take part in networking opportunities and represent Wild Surveys
Mentoring, Leadership & Innovation
Mentor junior staff —providing guidance, encouragement, and practical support in the field and office.
Share new ideas, help develop better ways of working, and support the use of new ecological tools and technologies in our projects.
Provide input into fee proposals, project quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Project Management
Manage your own projects, ensuring deliverables and deadlines are met without compromise.
Be flexible during peak survey seasons, including travel and overnight stays.
Additional Duties
Maintain and develop your professional skills through CPD opportunities.
Produce technical proposals and contribute to EIA chapters confidently.
Help promote a positive, supportive, and inclusive company culture.
Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to marketing and community‑benefit projects.
Attend progress meetings both in person and online.
Follow and promote safety measures set out in WSL's RAMS.
What We're Looking For
We're searching for someone who brings both expertise and heart—someone motivated by a passion for wildlife and/or botany, and excited to work across Scotland's beautiful and sometimes challenging habitats.
Essential Requirements
Strong knowledge of Scottish ecological legislation and professional consultancy experience
Competence in data analysis and technical report writing
CIEEM membership (or eligibility)
Excellent communication and organisational skills
Valid UK driving licence (min. 2 years), access to a car, and willingness to travel
Relevant degree (e.g., ecology, zoology, etc.) or equivalent experience
Willingness to gain protected species licences
Physical fitness and resilience for outdoor fieldwork in varied weather and terrain.
Commitment to Wild Surveys' quality systems, sustainability principles, and continuous improvement.
Working Hours
Wild Surveys operates a 4.5-day work week, with the business closed from Friday afternoon through the weekend each week. During the Spring and Summer months, additional evening work may be required, for bat emergence surveys or GCN surveys. The year will include a mix of fieldwork and office-based time, with more time outdoors during survey peaks.
Benefits of working with Wild Surveys Ltd:
Competitive salary
Increased rate of pay when working unsociable hours
Increasing holiday entitlement for every year of service
4.5-day work week
Private healthcare scheme available
Pension scheme available
Opportunities to develop your career
Free flu jabs
On-site parking
Work Location
This is an in-person role with fieldwork taking place across Scotland.
How to apply:
Please forward your CV and cover letter by email to
Please clearly state in your application when you are available to start, and where you are based.
We will be in touch with you after having reviewed your application.