Senior Ecologist - Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Inverness, UK-based (with occasional travel)
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 + benefits
A respected environmental consultancy is looking to appoint a Senior Ecologist to support the delivery of diverse, high-profile projects across the UK. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced ecologist who's ready to take the next step in their career - combining field expertise with project leadership, client management, and the opportunity to mentor junior staff.
You'll be joining a supportive, multi-disciplinary team working across renewables, infrastructure, and land development sectors. If you're someone who enjoys variety in your work and is confident managing complex ecological projects from start to finish, this could be the right move.
About the Role
As a Senior Ecologist, you'll take responsibility for delivering technically robust ecological surveys, assessments, and reports. You'll also play a key role in project management, developing client relationships, contributing to business growth, and supporting junior colleagues.
You'll have the opportunity to specialise in your technical area of interest while also shaping the consultancy's wider ecological offering through innovation and best practice.
Key Responsibilities
* Plan and manage ecological field surveys and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) support
* Lead and deliver EcIA, HRA, and species/habitat reports to a high standard
* Manage medium to large-scale or complex projects, ensuring quality, timelines, and budget control
* Liaise confidently with clients, landowners, planners, and statutory agencies
* Provide mentoring and line management for 1-3 junior ecologists
* Maintain strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy
* Offer technical guidance across specialist areas and contribute to internal training and quality systems
* Identify new business opportunities and help win work through proposals and client engagement
* Support marketing efforts such as thought leadership, events, and content writing
What We're Looking For
* A degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline
* Proven experience in ecological consultancy, including project and client management
* Strong field skills and a good understanding of survey design, analysis, and reporting
* Membership of CIEEM (or working towards it)
* Confidence in communicating technical issues clearly, both verbally and in writing
* A proactive and adaptable approach to challenges, with strong attention to detail
* Experience supervising contractors and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams
* A commitment to continuous professional development and ecological best practice
What's in It for You
* £35,000- £40,000
* 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
* Flexible/hybrid working arrangements
* A clear structured path for professional development and progression
* Opportunities to specialise and become a recognised expert in your field
* Supportive leadership and a collaborative team culture
Interested?
If you're ready to lead projects, support team growth, and work on meaningful ecological challenges, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today for a confidential discussion.