Senior or Principal Ecologist

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic ecologist who has a desire to deliver positive biodiversity outcomes for a wide variety of interesting projects in Scotland and throughout the UK. You will have the opportunity to manage and undertake ecology surveys across a range of sectors, with projects focussing on infrastructure and transportation, strategic and regeneration residential schemes, energy and resources, and nationally significant projects. You will play a key role in large-scale habitat restoration projects and be able to influence conservation of habitats and species through well thought out management plans. The successful candidate will also support the growth of the Scotland Ecology Team and have opportunities to develop their technical skills through input into Habitat Regulations Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity chapters for Environmental Statements and Landscape and Ecological Management Plans. About Stantec Stantec's four key values are:

• We put people first;
• We do what is right;
• We are better together;
• We are driven to achieve.
Supporting each other; doing what is right for biodiversity and community; and, guiding clients to achieve project requirements describe perfectly how we work together in the Ecology Team. Our collaborative approach to delivering ecology and biodiversity advice has resulted in increased success and project wins around the UK over the last few years. Key to our future is the continued growth of our team in Edinburgh., As a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you will be supporting the delivery of work undertaken by our multi-disciplinary teams. Day to day tasks would include:
• Providing our Clients with sound ecological advice and maximising biodiversity opportunities on projects
• Consulting with external stakeholders such as Nature Scot as part of the licensing process and designing species management plans
• Drafting and review of reports, such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Phase 2 survey reports and licence applications
• Drafting technical reports such as Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements
• Support the wider UK Team in delivering Biodiversity Net Gain
• Management of the delivery of field-work by Stantec ecologists and our sub-consultants
The role presents a fantastic opportunity to progress your ecological career from site based surveys to a more technical role. In the role you will be able to deliver and oversee the inclusion of ecological mitigation to a range of developments.

We are looking for someone who has a passion for delivering effective solutions for our Clients, and a desire to support the growth and development of the business in Scotland. You will be Degree qualified in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related topic, a full member of CIEEM (or working towards this).,
• Proven experience within a professional ecological consultancy (ideally 5 years' experience for the Senior Ecologist role)
• A wide understanding of terrestrial ecological issues and preferably a holder of at least one protected species licence, or with a specialism in one particular area of field-craft/mitigation delivery
• Demonstrable skills and experience of assessments, including, PEA, HRA, EcIA, and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation and policy
• Proven experience in the management of complex projects including those which require the ability to think laterally
• Experience in compiling fee proposals and project budgets
• A passion for ecology and a desire to support our Clients in promoting positive nature-based solutions
• Experience and working knowledge of UKHab classification and the BNG Defra Metric.
• Good report writing skills and attention to detail
  
  The Stantec community unites over 31,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have worked with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.
Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients' vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today's challenges but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

We can offer you continuous opportunities to develop and progress your career, a great learning culture and supportive working environment, flexible hours /working pattern and location, a competitive benefits package and much more. This is a great opportunity to join a growing, supportive and ambitious Ecology team. Come and join our award-winning Ecology Consultancy Team in Edinburgh.