Principal Consultant – Ecology

Scienceabode; Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - GBP 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Scotland is seeking a Senior or Principal Consultant in Ecology. This role offers a unique opportunity to manage teams and projects focused on ecological surveys, business development, and technical leadership. The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree in Ecology, proven experience in project management, and strong communication skills. Flexible location within Scotland, with the possibility of remote work and competitive benefits including annual leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Professional body subscription

Training tailored around individual needs

Flexible parental leave options

Cycle to work scheme

Employee referral scheme

Volunteering Day

Qualifications

• Experience in leading ecological surveys across various habitats.
• Demonstrable project management experience with client liaison.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Manage teams and projects while ensuring technical leadership.
• Deliver training and develop ecological solutions.
• Support business development and client relationships.

Skills

Leadership in ecological surveys

Project management

Good knowledge of Scottish planning systems

Excellent report writing

Interpersonal and communication skills

Mentoring junior staff

Technical reviews of ecological assessments

Education

BSc/MSc in Ecology or related discipline

Tools

GIS and data analysis tools

Job description

Job Title: Senior or Principal Consultant – Ecology

Location: Candidates can be based anywhere in Scotland, central belt preferred and ideally they will be able to commute to our offices in Inverness c. once per week

Salary: Competitive

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

About The Role:

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to take on a wide variety of challenges, including management of people, clients and projects, technical leadership, business development, commercial management, delivery of training etc.

We will work to shape the role around the right person to some degree, but a degree of project management and ornithological skills experience would be advantageous.

Arthian is recruiting for a Senior or Principal Consultant to support the growth of the Ecology & Biodiversity Team in Scotland. Whilst the location can be flexible, we are ideally looking for someone who can commute to our offices in Inverness c. once per week.

About you:

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess a BSc and/or MSc in Ecology or related discipline and be a Full Member (or eligible for Full Membership) of a relevant professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Essential Skills:

• Proven experience in leading ecological surveys and assessments across a range of Scottish habitats and species
• Demonstrable experience in project management, including client liaison, budget management, and team coordination
• Experience in tender writing, fee proposals, and business development
• Good working knowledge of Scottish planning system, wildlife legislation, planning policy, and ecological best practice (e.g. NPF4, CIEEM guidelines)
• Excellent report writing skills, including EcIA, HRA, and mitigation strategies
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to talk to clients about complex problems using plain language
• Experience mentoring junior staff and contributing to team management / development
• Ability to undertake technical reviews of PEAs, ecological assessments and other report types
• A willingness to be inventive and creative in developing ecological solutions to novel problems
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including occasional overnight stays
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Skills:

• Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status
• Experience in ornithological surveys and monitoring and/or habitat surveys
• Holding one or more protected species survey licences (e.g. bats, great crested newt, badger, otter)
• Experience working on infrastructure, utilities, or renewables projects
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, including local authorities, landowners, and community groups
• Familiarity with GIS and data analysis tools

What We Offer:

• The salary range for this role would be commensurate with experience.
• Subscription to a relevant professional body (generally expected to be CIEEM)
• External and internal training tailored around the individual
• 33 days annual leave (leave and public holiday combined) and the option to buy and sell holidays
• An Employee Assistance Programme
• A generous employee referral scheme
• Volunteering Day for a worthy cause
• Fully flexible parental leave options
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle schemes

Candidates with experience of: Ecology Consultant, Ecology & Biodiversity Consultant, Senior Ecology & Biodiversity Consultant, Ecologist, Senior Ecologist, Principal Ecologist, Ecology Project Manager

Please click on the APPLY button to send your CV and Cover Letter for this role.