Senior Ecologist

We’re working with a boutique environmental consultancy (10–15 staff) based in Inverness to hire a Senior Ecologist. This is a rare opportunity to join a genuinely flexible and mission-driven team working across renewable energy, woodland creation, and ecological restoration projects throughout Scotland.

About the Role

You’ll lead and mentor a small team of 2–3 ecologists, contributing your technical knowledge while managing surveys, reporting, and client engagement. You’ll also have the autonomy to shape your workload depending on your interests - whether that’s bat activity surveys, peatland restoration, or biodiversity net gain strategies.

Responsibilities

• Leading field surveys and reporting (especially bats, habitats, peatland, GWDTE)
• Occasional ECoW cover on projects (training provided if needed)
• Supporting and mentoring junior ecologists
• Travelling to remote Scottish sites, including Skye and the Western Isles (air travel provided)
• Engaging with clients across wind energy, housing, and woodland schemes

Qualifications

• 4+ years’ experience in ecological consultancy or similar
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning, and survey methods
• Full UK driving licence
• Experience in sectors like renewables, housing, or habitat creation preferred

Required Skills

• Confident leading fieldwork and producing high-quality reports
• Happy mentoring junior colleagues and managing small teams
• Comfortable with regular travel to sites (including occasional air travel to the islands)
• Capable of supporting ECoW work as neededInterested in carving out a niche — from bats to peatland or something else

Preferred Skills

• Experience in sectors like renewables, housing, or habitat creation preferred

Pay range and compensation package

• Holidays: 25 days + 9 statutory holidays
• Hours: 40 hours/week with TOIL (Time Off in Lieu) policy
• Mileage: Paid
• Flexible working: Hybrid options supported
• Annual salary review: Around 10% uplift (when targets are met)
• After year 1: Fully funded European study trip aligned with ecological interests (e.g. wolf behaviour in Slovakia)
• After year 2: Fully funded Americas study trip
• After year 3: Fully funded Asia study trip

Equal Opportunity Statement

Unlike larger firms, this consultancy doesn’t chase every contract - they focus on projects they’re passionate about. Whether that’s restoring bogs, protecting bats, or guiding sustainable woodland schemes, your voice shapes the company’s direction.

With annual salary reviews, funded study trips abroad, and a tight-knit team, this is a great next step if you’re looking for growth, flexibility, and impact.