Principal Ecologist

Edinburgh Biodiversity Permanent

Help shape the sustainable future of Scotland’s infrastructure and support the strategic growth of our Scottish team by playing a pivotal role in ecological delivery on high profile renewable energy and development projects. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Ecologist to lead ecological delivery across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and development projects throughout Scotland. This role combines leadership, project management, and some onsite Environmental Clerk of Works (ECoW) responsibilities, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and best practice.

You will play a pivotal role in guiding projects from planning through construction, advising clients and stakeholders, and ensuring biodiversity is protected and enhanced.

As Principal Ecologist, you will act as lead ECoW on construction sites, providing expert ecological advice and ensuring compliance with environmental commitments, licences and legislation. You will lead and manage ecological input across a range of projects, including EIAs, HRAs and protected species licensing, while overseeing surveys covering habitats, protected species and ornithology, together with the development of effective mitigation strategies.

You will also provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior ecologists and multidisciplinary teams, working closely with regulators, clients, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure effective environmental management throughout the project lifecycle. In addition, you will review and approve method statements, CEMPs and biodiversity management plans, contribute to business development and tender submissions, and ensure that health, safety and environmental standards are upheld at all times.

To succeed in this role, you will hold a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline and bring significant experience gained in ecological consultancy or environmental management. You will have a strong understanding of UK and Scottish environmental legislation, planning policy and industry best practice, along with proven experience acting as an ECoW or lead ecologist on complex construction or infrastructure projects.

You will also bring expertise in at least one technical area, such as ornithology, botany, mammals or habitats, and be a full member of a relevant professional body such as CIEEM, IEMA or AEnvCoW, ideally working towards Chartership. Strong communication, leadership and project management skills are essential, as is a full UK driving licence and a willingness to travel to sites across Scotland.

For further details please refer to the attached job description

To find out more on our projects and services in Biodiversity:
Biodiversity & Ecology Services | Pegasus Group

• Agile working
• Private Healthcare
• Life Insurance
• Generous annual leave entitlement with the option to buy and sell holidays
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• Training and Development

Our full benefits can be viewed here

We are a vibrant and dynamic development consultancy that thrives on enhancing the built and natural environment in a way that positively affects people’s lives.

When you join Pegasus you become part of a people-focused business, where your industry knowledge and expertise will help inform critical decisions across local and nationally significant projects. As a proudly independent company since 2003, we have grown to become one of the UK’s leading multidisciplinary development consultancies.

Our commitment to supporting your career goals and ambitions continues throughout your learning and development. With opportunities that enable you to progress to be the very best in our industry!

At Pegasus Group, we appreciate diverse minds and unique thinking styles. We believe that every individual brings inimitable ideas and perspectives to enhance our dynamic team. We foster an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected, nurturing the growth of our people, communities, and clients. In April 2025 we received accreditation as a 'Great Place to Work,' emphasising the supportive and dynamic work environment we provide.

Pegasus Group is proud to promote equal opportunities and inclusion for all.

To make the recruitment process more accessible and inclusive, we offer flexibility in our application and interview processes. If you require certain accommodations or adjustments, please feel free to let us know so that we can offer you an accessible interview process.