Ecologist

Ecologist

Full Time | Permanent | Renfrew, Scotland | Salary £30k to £33,999

At Wild Surveys Ltd, we provide high-quality ecological consultancy services across Scotland, supporting a diverse range of clients including government bodies, national construction companies, developers, and private homeowners.

Based in Renfrew, we specialise in terrestrial ecological surveys, assessments, licensing, and consultancy, delivering practical and professional ecological advice across a wide variety of projects.

As our team continues to grow, we are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Ecologist to join us on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop their consultancy career within a supportive and expanding team.

We are passionate about continuous professional development and creating an enjoyable, balanced working environment where staff are encouraged to grow their technical expertise and progress professionally.

Why Join Wild Surveys?

At Wild Surveys, we understand the importance of work-life balance, particularly within the seasonal demands of ecological consultancy. That’s why we operate a 4.5-day working week, with the office closing at 1pm every Friday, giving you a longer weekend every week.

Additional benefits include:

• Enhanced pay rates for unsociable survey hours
• Private healthcare scheme
• Pension scheme
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Support towards protected species licensing
• Company-funded CIEEM membership
• Free flu jabs
• On-site parking
• A friendly and supportive team environment

The Role

This role combines both field and office-based work and offers the opportunity to manage your own projects while continuing to develop your technical, project management, and client-facing skills.

You will work across a broad range of ecological projects throughout Scotland and will be supported by experienced senior staff and the wider team.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage ecological projects to a high professional and ethical standard
• Carry out Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), habitat surveys, and protected species surveys
• Produce high-quality reports within agreed timescales
• Communicate ecological findings and recommendations clearly to clients and project teams
• Liaise with clients, contractors, local authorities, and statutory bodies
• Maintain strong working relationships with both existing and new clients
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, health and safety requirements, and best practice guidance
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, policy, and industry guidance
• Contribute positively to the continued growth and reputation of the business

The role will involve travel to sites across Scotland and occasional unsociable hours during bat and great crested newt survey seasons.

Professional Development

At Wild Surveys, we are committed to supporting the long-term development of our staff.

You will benefit from:

• Ongoing mentoring and technical support
• Exposure to a diverse range of projects and survey work
• Opportunities to develop project management and client liaison skills
• Support towards obtaining protected species licences
• Regular company CPD sessions throughout the year
• Support in obtaining and maintaining CIEEM membership, with annual membership fees covered by the company

What We’re Looking For

• A relevant degree and professional experience within ecological consultancy or a related field
• Strong knowledge of ecology legislation, policy, and guidance within Scotland
• Understanding of species licensing requirements and protected species legislation
• Knowledge of statutory designated sites and associated processes
• Experience undertaking habitat surveys and ecological assessments using recognised classification systems
• Good habitat and protected species survey skills
• Strong species identification skills across a range of taxonomic groups
• Understanding of the mitigation hierarchy and its application within licensing
• Familiarity with NPF4 and Biodiversity Net Gain
• Full clean UK driving licence and confidence driving for work purposes
• Access to your own vehicle
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team

Desirable

• Protected species survey licences, particularly bats, great crested newts, and/or badgers
• Experience acting as a named ecologist on EPS mitigation/disturbance licences
• Experience using QGIS

Working Hours

This role is based on a 40-hour working week, across our 4.5-day schedule.

The role includes a combination of office-based work and field surveys. During peak survey season (typically March to September), additional hours may occasionally be required.

Location

This is an in-person role based from our Renfrew office, with travel to sites across Scotland.

Applicants should live within a reasonable commuting distance of the office.