Location
Scotland, Country

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
Not specified

About the Role
AtkinsRéalis is seeking an experienced Ecologist or Senior Ecologist with a strong background in UK wildlife legislation and protected species surveys. The role involves leading protected species surveys with demonstrable competency aligned to CIEEM's Competency Framework, ideally supported by Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 3 or equivalent. You will implement and monitor ecological mitigation on construction sites, including translocations, watching briefs, exclusion zones, and habitat protection measures. Acting as the first point of contact for contractors, you will advise on ecological risks during construction and deliver practical, proportionate mitigation solutions compliant with nature conservation legislation. The role requires strong report writing skills to prepare Preliminary Ecological Assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments, site visit reports, and compliance audit trails. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or equivalent is required, with AtkinsRéalis covering membership costs. The position involves travel across Scotland and requires a full UK/EEC driving licence.

Experience
- Degree in ecology, life sciences, or a closely related field.
- Strong protected species survey and field identification skills with competency to lead surveys.
- Experience implementing and monitoring ecological mitigation on construction sites.
- Demonstrable experience working under protected species licences or overseeing such works is beneficial.
- Strong report writing and record keeping skills.
- Understanding of biodiversity enhancements in line with National Planning Framework 4 is desirable.
- Ability to distinguish between biodiversity enhancements and compensation and advise on their construction and timing.

About you
- Strong collaborative behaviours to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams, market teams, and stakeholders.
- Ability to act as a first point of contact for contractors and provide ecological risk advice.
- Willingness and ability to travel across Scotland.
- Full UK/EEC driving licence.

Qualifications
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or equivalent (membership costs covered by AtkinsRéalis).
- Ideally hold Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 3 or demonstrate equivalent skills.
- Protected species survey licences are desirable but not essential; a NatureScot bat licence is particularly desirable.