Consultant Ecologist

Join Naturally Compliant in Scotland – Environmental Compliance Management.

This is an exciting opportunity for a person who is passionate about ecology and conservation to contribute to real-world environmental protection while gaining hands-on experience in delivering ecological benefit and stakeholder engagement.

We are a forward-thinking UK company at the forefront of the environmental and construction sector, and we have several opportunities to join our team across the UK.

You will play a pivotal role supporting our clients in the pre and post planning consent and construction phases where there is an opportunity to make a real impact on the project’s ecological performance.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and manage ecological risks and opportunities throughout a project's lifecycle by undertaking ecological surveys and providing delivery-focused advice.

• Delivering ecological performance, providing on the ground advice to clients and contractors, supporting in the delivery of mitigation, and using technical knowledge to support adaptive mitigation when needed.

• Support biodiversity outcomes, through delivering pre-identified ecological enhancement measures and proposing opportunities that arise as a result of the practicalities of the construction phase.

• Attend the development site to undertake ecological pre-activity surveys to inform mitigation requirements.

• Provide ecologically sound advice to inform construction programme and methods.

• Act as an accredited agent on relevant protected species licences, depending on experience.

• Liaise with the Project Management teams to promote compliance with management documents (e.g. Species Protection Plans) and review RAMS where ecology is a material factor.

• Act as the primary point of contact for any unexpected protected species encounters, providing proportionate, site-appropriate solutions.

• Author PEA’s.

• Assist in the delivery and/or creation of Habitat Management Plans/Enhancement Plans.

• Author Species Protection Plans/Breeding Bird Protection Plans.

• Uphold NC/client standards and values.

• Promote high levels of performance.

• Deliver toolbox talks where necessary.

Essential Attributes:

• 2+ years relevant industry experience demonstrably predominantly construction phase ecological services (Consultant level).

• An understanding of ecological management during construction, including EIA and consent condition discharge, and the delivery of contractual obligations on site.

• An understanding of construction process, contractual awareness, and CDM duty holder responsibilities/Environmental roles and responsibilities.

• Driving licence and access to own car.

• CSCS card.

• Environmental degree.

Desired Attributes (& opportunities to learn!):

• Species specialism (e.g. bats, badgers, Salmonids, GCN, Ornithology).

• Experience on construction projects.

• GIS/Mapping or Mobile Data Capture experience.

Why you?

• Self-Motivated: Proactive in seeking new opportunities, learning, and staying updated with legislation and best practices.

• Strategic Thinker: Contributing to the wider business, client relationships, and long-term ecological planning.

• Project Management: Coordinating timelines, budgets, and deliverables across multiple projects.

• Clear Communicator: Able to explain complex ecological concepts to non-specialists, clients, and stakeholders.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Confident in liaising with landowners, planners, regulators (e.g., NatureScot), and community groups.

• Critical Thinking: Ability to assess ecological data, interpret patterns, and make informed decisions.

• Problem-Solving: Creative and practical approaches to ecological challenges, such as habitat restoration or species management.