Ecologist​/Ecological Clerk of Works; ECoW

• Pine martens.

United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors.

Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face.

Our company is split into two business areas:

Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK’s largest network owners and operators.

Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance.

Equal Opportunities Statement - At United Infrastructure, we are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If there is anything we can do to support you, remove barriers, or make the process more accessible, please let us know — we want this to be the best possible experience for you.

Reporting To: SHEQ Manager

Location: Scotland – project based with regular travel to live construction sites

Function: SHEQ / Environment

The Ecologist / Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will provide specialist ecological advice, assurance and site-based support across major infrastructure and construction projects throughout Scotland.

Reporting to the SHEQ Manager, the role will ensure construction activities are undertaken in accordance with Scottish environmental legislation, planning requirements, protected species licences, client requirements and project environmental commitments.

The role will have a strong field-based component, working alongside project management, construction and environmental teams to identify ecological constraints, develop practical mitigation and provide ECoW supervision of activities in environmentally sensitive locations.

The position will be particularly important on linear power infrastructure projects where construction activities may interact with protected species, designated sites, peatland, watercourses, forestry and sensitive habitats.

• Act as ECoW for construction activities requiring ecological supervision.
• Undertake pre-construction ecological checks and surveys.
• Provide watching briefs during sensitive construction activities.
• Monitor compliance with ecological mitigation requirements.
• Identify emerging ecological risks and advise project teams on appropriate controls.
• Establish and monitor ecological exclusion zones and buffers.
• Stop, pause or escalat
• Maintain accurate records of ecological inspections, observations and interventions.

Provide specialist advice and support relating to protected and notable species including, where relevant:

• Otters.
• Badgers.
• Bats.
• Red squirrels.
• Pine martens.
• Water voles.
• Great crested newts.
• Reptiles and amphibians.
• Breeding birds.
• Schedule 1 birds.
• Raptors.
• Freshwater pearl mussels.
• Fish and aquatic ecology.
• Invasive non-native species.
• Other protected or priority species relevant to project locations.

Ensure works are undertaken in accordance with relevant licences and Species Protection Plans.

• Undertake or coordinate Preliminary Ecological Appraisals.
• Undertake habitat and protected species surveys within the individual's competence.
• Support UKHab and other appropriate habitat classification and condition assessments.
• Review ecological survey information provided by consultants.
• Identify requirements for additional surveys or specialist ecological support.
• Support ecological inputs into Environmental Impact Assessments and…