Terrestrial Ecologist

Company Description

We are SGS — the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

As a Terrestrial Ecologist, you will play a key role in delivering ecological expertise for environmental survey and studies. You will be responsible for leading on-site ecological surveys, species identification, habitat evaluations, and biodiversity monitoring.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct terrestrial ecological surveys, including flora, fauna, habitat mapping, and ecological baseline assessments.
• Identify species of ecological importance, including protected or threatened species relevant to UAE and regional regulations.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, ecological survey reports, biodiversity assessments, and mitigation plans.
• Assess potential ecological impacts of development projects and propose scientifically sound mitigation, restoration, and monitoring measures.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of Biodiversity Action Plans, habitat management plans, and long-term monitoring programs.
• Work closely with GIS specialists to develop ecological maps and spatial analyses.
• Liaise with government entities (e.g., EAD, MOCCAE, Dubai Municipality) and ensure compliance with UAE environmental legislation, international best practices, and project-specific requirements.
• Support fieldwork planning, logistics, and data collection following health and safety procedures.
• Provide technical input during stakeholder engagement, environmental permitting, and project review processes.
• Keep up to date with regional ecological trends, species status, and conservation priorities.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.
• 3–7 years of relevant experience in terrestrial ecology (UAE or GCC experience preferred).
• Strong knowledge of desert ecology, flora and fauna identification, habitat classification, and ecological survey methodologies.
• Proficiency in ecological data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Familiarity with GIS tools and spatial analysis (ArcGIS/QGIS) is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of UAE environmental regulations and international standards (IFC, CBD, IUCN, etc.).
• Ability to work in challenging field conditions (remote desert locations, rugged terrains).
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and technical writing skills.