Ecologist

The company offers a supportive environment and values professional expertise in its team.\n\nDescription\n\nWe are looking for an early‑career ecologist to join our Environment team and support a wide range of projects across Scotland. You will work alongside experienced environmental consultants and colleagues in our planning, engineering and design teams, helping to deliver clear, practical ecological advice on multi‑disciplinary projects.\n\nYou will gain hands‑on experience in ecological survey, assessment and mitigation design, with structured support to develop your technical skills, report writing and project responsibilities over time.As a Consultant Ecologist you will:\n\nAssist in planning and undertaking ecological field surveys, including Phase 1 / UKHab habitat surveys and protected species surveys under the supervision of senior ecologists.\nHelp to collate and analyse desk study data, prepare baseline plans and maintain accurate field records.\nContribute to the preparation of ecological reports, including survey reports, PEAs and inputs to Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs).\nSupport the design and delivery of practical mitigation and habitat enhancement measures on development and infrastructure projects.\nHelp with day‑to‑day project tasks such as preparing risk assessments, organising survey logistics and liaising with site contacts.\nTake an active role in your own professional development, supported by mentoring, on‑the‑job learning and access to formal training.As your experience grows, you will be supported to take on more responsibility for survey planning, client communication and technical inputs.\n\nProfile\n\nA degree (minimum BSc) in ecology, environmental science, biology or a related discipline.\nSome experience of ecological fieldwork, gained through consultancy, seasonal roles, research projects, or volunteer work.\nA basic understanding of UK wildlife legislation, policy and planning, with an interest in developing this further (experience in the Scottish context is an advantage but not essential).\nSome experience assisting with ecological assessments such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), constraints assessments or similar.\nPractical experience of at least one type of protected species or habitat survey (for example bats, GCN, otter, badger, breeding birds or habitat/botanical surveys).\nA full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites\nEligibility for CIEEM membership is expected; existing membership is an advantage.We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:\n\nGood foundational field skills, for example basic habitat classification and plant identification, or experience with one or more protected species groups.\nA genuine interest in ecology and conservation, and a clear motivation to develop a career in ecological consultancy.\nStrong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and accurately.\nGood organisational skills, attention to detail and a conscientious approach to health and safety, including willingness to prepare and follow site risk assessments.\nBasic competence in Microsoft Office and AI literacy\nExperience with GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS) and/or Biodiversity Net Gain tools would be an advantage but is not essential.\nAny developing technical specialism (e.g. bats, herpetofauna, ornithology, botany) or progress towards a protected species survey licence would be welcomed.

\n\nJob Offer\n\nA competitive salary ranging\nA permanent position offering stability and long-term career opportunities.\nOpportunities to work on meaningful projects within the property industry.\nA supportive and professional work environment in Edinburgh.\nExposure to a variety of ecological and biodiversity challenges