Senior​/Principal Ecologist Ornithology Specialism

Job Overview

At AtkinsRéalis we are looking for an enthusiastic Senior/Principal Ecologist to join our Scottish ecology team. The role will support clients on nationally important infrastructure projects, contribute to new approaches in ecology, and offer opportunities for career development across all aspects of project delivery.

• Client facing and client interaction, demonstrating an understanding of client requirements.
• Managing project programmes and budgets on nationally significant infrastructure projects.
• Planning and undertaking field surveys, analysing and interpreting survey results.
• Designing and coordinating ecological mitigation.
• Authoring and checking a range of ecological reports and licence applications.
• Engaging with other areas of the business to prepare bids, support strategic opportunities, build client relationships, and drive work‑winning.
• Providing innovation on projects and within the ecology team, and coaching/mentoring other staff.
• Coordinating and leading other protected species surveys and producing deliverables in line with good practice guidance.

• Skilled ornithological surveyor with demonstrable competency in line with CIEEM's Competency Framework.
• Experience leading bird surveys and conducting assemblage and species‑specific surveys, especially for Scottish/upland species.
• Experience in survey design and data interpretation for multi‑season ornithological surveys.
• Desirable experience of territory and collision risk analysis, and holding or having held Schedule1 survey licences.
• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), or active pursuit of membership.
• Strong report‑writing skills, including preparational work for Preliminary Ecological Assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Chapters, and Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Knowledge and experience of UK Habitat survey, habitat condition assessments, and the Defra Biodiversity Metric.
• Ideal: project management experience covering technical, financial and quality assurance aspects, and familiarity with the Development Consent Order (DCO) process.
• Willingness to travel across Scotland and hold a full UK/EEC driving licence.

Competitive salaries, employee rewards, flexible working arrangements, hybrid work culture, and a range of benefits tailored to individual health, wellbeing, and lifestyle choices.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Disability Confident Leader. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.