About the role
Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with a specialist environmental and landscape consultancy looking to appoint a Principal Ecologist in Edinburgh.
This is a strong opportunity for an experienced ecologist who wants to stay close to technical work and complex projects while taking a leading role in client relationships, project delivery and the continued development of the ecology service.
The business works on significant landscape-led projects across the UK and Ireland, with ecology involved from an early stage so that environmental considerations can genuinely influence design and delivery.
The role
As Principal Ecologist, you will take a senior position within the ecology team and help lead the delivery of complex ecological work.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leading ecology input across major projects
Providing senior technical advice and review
Preparing and overseeing high-quality ecological reports and technical outputs
Ensuring work reflects current legislation, standards and best practice
Supporting planning-stage and delivery-stage projects
Building strong relationships with clients and multidisciplinary teams
Identifying opportunities to strengthen and develop the ecology service
Mentoring and supporting colleagues
Working closely with landscape architects and other environmental specialists
Collaborating with a specialist conservation detection dog team
What we’re looking for
You will already have strong professional ecology experience and be comfortable taking responsibility for complex projects, clients and technical decisions.
Relevant experience is likely to include:
Five or more years of professional ecology experience
A degree in Ecology or a related discipline
Delivery of complex ecological projects
One or more protected species licences
Strong technical report writing and review skills
Confident client and stakeholder communication
Experience working within multidisciplinary teams
Good understanding of ecological legislation and best practice
Ability to balance ecological, practical and commercial considerations
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel when required
A postgraduate qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.
Why consider this opportunity?
This role offers the chance to have real influence without moving away from technical ecology.
You will remain closely involved in projects and clients while helping shape the future direction of the ecology service. The work is varied, long-term and often strategically important, with particularly strong collaboration between ecology and landscape professionals.
The consultancy also has its own conservation detection dog service, providing an unusual additional dimension to its ecological capability.
Salary: up to £60,000 depending on experience.
If you are a Senior or Principal Ecologist based in or around Edinburgh and looking for more influence, autonomy and technical variety, contact Vicky Kenrick at Ocean to Earth Recruitment for a confidential conversation.
07341 020135 | vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk
Ocean to Earth Recruitment | Elevating Green Growth