Overview

We have an exciting job opportunity for a new Senior Ecologist role based at our Bridge of Allan (Stirling) office (depending on Covid-19 restrictions). Expertise in at least two areas of ecology (e.g. bats, habitats, birds, invertebrates etc) and membership of CIEEM are essential. Closing date 8th October. Download the job description and person specification for more information and details to apply.

Caledonian Conservation Ltd is a well-established ecological consultancy based in Central Scotland. Our clients include developers, Statutory Nature Conservation Organisations, environmental charities and other consultancies. Our projects have included full Ecological Impact Assessments for a variety of developments (particularly renewable energy), Ecological Clerk of Works, Site Condition Monitoring of SSSIs, conservation research, habitat management plans and education. We also undertake our own in-house research projects.

Job Title: Senior Ecologist
Salary: Circa £28,000 to £30,000 p.a. starting salary (dependent on experience)
Post Duration: Permanent
Location: Caledonian Conservation Ltd office (Office 2 and 3, Craigarnhall, Bridge of Allan, Stirling, FK9 4NG) although will involve field work, and we are flexible with home working.
Hours: 40 hour average week
Application Closing Date: 12:00 Friday 8th October 2021
Overall Purpose: To take project management responsibility for subset of projects and assist with management of a wide range of other ecology projects, undertake data analysis and reporting, provide Ecological Clerk of Works services and undertake ecological surveys.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Undertake ecology fieldwork for a variety of surveys, including bird surveys, bat surveys, other protected mammal surveys, reptile surveys, great crested newt surveys, invertebrate surveys and/or other specialist surveys as appropriate to the skills, experience, interests and training of the successful candidate;
  • Provide on-the-ground Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) services for projects;
  • Assist with day-to-day project management of a range of ecology projects, which may include renewable energy ecology studies to inform Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), ECoW, Site Condition Monitoring of SSSIs and conservation research projects for environmental NGOs;
  • Be the lead project manager for a subset of projects;
  • Be the point of contact for Caledonian Conservation Ltd for subset of projects, and for others in the absence of more senior staff;
  • Undertake data analysis and reporting, such as Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), feasibility studies, baseline reports and conservation research project reports; • Review colleagues’ reports;
  • Tender for contracts; and
  • Represent Caledonian Conservation Ltd and its clients at meetings, conferences or events.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Educated to degree level in environmental field, or equivalent experience;
  • Full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM);
  • Experience of Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW);
  • Experience of project management; • Expert skills in at least two areas of ecology, holding appropriate licences (e.g. bats, habitats, birds, invertebrates etc);
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Enthusiastic, flexible and committed;
  • Passionate and proactive;
  • Able to work as part of a team, which may include colleagues from other organisations;
  • Able to work on multiple projects;
  • Able to work under own initiative;
  • An understanding of health and safety implications of working outdoors in remote and urban environments;
  • Full clean UK or international driving licence;
  • Regular access to own vehicle for work purposes;
  • Willing to work evenings and occasional weekends; and
  • Willing to stay away from home regularly.

Desirable

  • Bat licence(s);
  • Working knowledge of Scottish environmental and planning legislation and policies;
  • Experience of ArcGIS software;
  • Valid CSCS or LISS/CSCS Ecologist card;
  • Qualification in offroad driving (e.g. BORDA certificate);
  • Excellent Microsoft Office skills; • Experience or qualification in offroad driving;
  • Evidence of ability to liaise and work effectively with a range of partners; and • First aid qualification.

To apply for this post please send full CV (2 pages maximum) and covering letter electronically to info@caledonianconservation.co.uk with subject ‘Senior Ecologist Vacancy’ by the closing date stated above. The covering letter should outline your reasons for applying for this job and why you feel you are suitable (maximum 500 words).

Please also indicate where you learned of the vacancy in your letter (not included within the 500 word statement).

Interviews for short-listed candidates will be held on Friday 15th October via Zoom.

For further information relating to this post, contact Chris Cathrine, Director (Ecology) (chris.cathrine@caledonianconservation.co.uk / 07789 77 11 66)