Principal Ecologist

Tilhill is seeking a Principal Ecologist in Scotland to manage the Ecology Team and provide expert advice on ecological matters, particularly in woodland projects. Responsibilities include promoting environmental standards, conducting ecological surveys, managing licenses, and developing training materials. The ideal candidate should have relevant qualifications, at least 10 years of experience, and strong client management skills. The role offers competitive benefits and opportunities for career development.
Tilhill is at the forefront of the provision of nature-based solutions that help fight climate change in the most natural way.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to join the Company. This is a key role, responsible for managing the Ecology Team and providing a source of expert advice to the Company’s staff and clients on all ecological matters with particular emphasis on woodland creation, woodland management and harvesting projects.

Day to day, this will include representing and promoting the Company’s environmental standards, delivering ecological services and undertaking or managing the ecological surveys for habitats, birds, and protected species, applying for and managing protected species licences, developing budget plans, liaising with clients, supervision of assigned ecological contractors and consultants, developing training materials and delivering ecological / environmental training to employees, identifying and developing new ecological business opportunities, as well as other aspects of Health, Safety, Sustainability and Environmental Management.

About You:

We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, driven, enthusiastic, reliable and adaptable.

In addition to this, you will have:
• Relevant academic qualifications in ecology, environment, land use or other related discipline.
• Full Membership of CIEEM.
• At least 10 years’ operational experience as ecologist.
• Understanding of wildlife legislation (e.g. W&CA 1981) and wildlife licensing.
• Experience of peatland ecology; peatland management and restoration including experience of Peatland Action / Peatland Carbon Code.
• Proven experience of working on Ecological Impact Assessments, managing surveys (habitats, protected species, birds) to common survey standards.
• Strong client relationship management skills.
• Motivational and negotiating skills.
• Well-developed organisational, communication and planning skills.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• Driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

Benefits:

In return, you can look forward to being part of a talented and well-motivated team, together with first-class opportunities for both personal and career development in a truly national and integrated company. In addition to a competitive salary and company car, this position also includes excellent benefits such as:
• Company provided health plan and life assurance policy.
• Company sick pay, enhanced with length of service.
• Company pension.
• 31 days (inclusive of bank holidays) holiday entitlement, enhanced with length of service.
• Funded learning and career development opportunities.
• Discounted rate on a range of BSW products.
• Employee benefits portal with access to exclusive deals and discounts on 100s of high street brands, utilities, eating out and more!
• Confidential 24/7 support with Wellbeing Hub.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

To apply, please visit our careers page at www.tilhill.com/careers and apply online.

Closing Date: 11th April 2025

The Company’s Job Applicant Privacy Notice is available at www.tilhill.com/about-us/careers

Tilhill is an Equal Opportunities Employer