Senior Ecologist

We have a vacancy for a Senior Ecologist at our office near Aberdeen. Please send us your CV or give us a
call on 01224 734372 to speak with us informally about this opportunity.

About the job

We are now recruiting a Senior Ecologist to take the lead in our team of project ecologists.

We are involved in projects, large and small, all over Scotland. We undertake ecological surveys, tree surveys and tree management, and advise on protected species. Much of our work requires a pragmatic, problem-solving approach to achieve the best solutions possible for all stakeholders, and it can be very satisfying when the right balance of ecological conservation can be achieved alongside successful, sympathetic development. You will be responsible for undertaking surveys, writing and checking ecological reports and working with the partners to manage and oversee the workload of a small team of ecologists.

About you

We are looking for someone with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in ecology and proven experience managing projects in an ecology-related post. Please note that for this position we do require post-qualification project/consultancy experience.

Your experience should include undertaking a range of arboricultural, habitat and protected species surveys, including extended Phase 1 habitat surveys and Phase 2 protected species surveys, following best practice guidelines. You will also have a knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain and be able to carry out calculations and assessments.

You should be able to demonstrate knowledge of UK and Scottish nature conservation legislation and Scottish planning policy. Ideally, you will hold survey licences for at least one protected species, and be willing to work towards gaining further licences. Membership of CIEEM would be an advantage.

We need you to be available to work flexible hours, including unsociable hours, particularly during the busy summer bat survey season.

Other skills we are looking for include:

• Fluent English, written and verbal
• Experience in the preparation and peer review of ecological survey reports
• Mapping skills using software tools such as QGIS, ArcGIS and AutoCAD
• Confidence in liaising directly with clients and contractors, local planning authorities, and conservation bodies such as NatureScot
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

What we offer

We offer you the opportunity to work in a busy, rural office with a small team of experienced individuals who share your passion and enthusiasm for ecology, along with:

• A competitive salary based on your experience
• Full-time hours
• A flexible TOIL scheme
• CPD through internal and external training opportunities
• Payment of professional membership fees
• Mileage and sustenance expenses when on survey work

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, please send your CV and covering letter to admin@astellassociates.co.uk, or call Liz Petchell on 01224 734372 for more information.