Senior Ecologist

Wild Surveys is an ecological consultancy based in Renfrew, working across Scotland to support a wide variety of clients — from government bodies and national construction companies to homeowners looking for guidance on small, local projects. We’re a friendly, passionate team specialising in terrestrial ecological surveys, assessments, and practical, down-to‑earth advice. Whether we’re helping our clients navigate planning requirements or supporting thoughtful development, our aim is always the same: to protect Scotland’s wildlife and support people to make informed, responsible decisions about their projects.

As a Senior Ecologist with Wild Surveys Ltd, you’ll play a key part in creating meaningful biodiversity outcomes while helping guide the next generation of ecologists. We’re looking for someone who is motivated not just by compliance and delivery, but also by curiosity, a passion for nature, and a desire to influence positive change.

You’ll sit at the heart of our ecological team, reporting directly to the Company Director and Operations Manager. You’ll balance fieldwork with supportive, collaborative office time, and you’ll help shape how we deliver ecology across Scotland’s extraordinary landscapes — from the uplands to the lowlands and to the unique environments of the Scottish islands. Our work includes urban sites, remote power line routes, and much more, helping our clients understand how wildlife uses these habitats and supporting them in incorporating biodiversity enhancements into their developments.

This is a role with real variety, in which every survey, whether on a windswept island or a city centre redevelopment site, aims to deliver lasting benefits for wildlife.

• Lead and deliver a wide range of ecological surveys across Scotland, including habitat surveys (Phase 1/UKHab/NVC), protected species surveys (bats, badgers, otters, water vole, birds, GCN, reptiles, red squirrel, pine marten and beaver), as well as ecological monitoring.
• Carry out habitat assessments, biodiversity appraisals, and contribute to habitat retention and enhancement proposals.
• Bring your specialist interests, such as plants, rivers, bats, birds, woodlands, invertebrates, or peatlands, to help strengthen our team’s knowledge and approach.

• Provide clear, grounded ecological advice to clients and project teams, ensuring nature and policy are equally respected.
• Prepare high‑quality reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEAs) and Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs).
• Keep accurate records and support robust project documentation.
• Liaise professionally with clients, regulators, landowners, and other stakeholders, helping build strong working relationships rooted in trust and environmental balance.
• Take part in networking opportunities and represent Wild Surveys
• Mentor junior staff — providing guidance, encouragement, and practical support in the field and office.
• Share new ideas, help develop better ways of working, and support the use of new ecological tools and technologies in our projects.
• Provide input into fee proposals, project quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Manage your own projects, ensuring deliverables and deadlines are met without compromise.
• Be flexible during peak survey seasons, including travel and overnight stays.

• Maintain and develop your professional skills through CPD opportunities.
• Produce technical proposals and contribute to EIA chapters confidently.
• Help promote a positive, supportive, and inclusive company culture.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to marketing and community‑benefit projects.
• Attend progress meetings both in person and online.
• Follow and promote safety measures set out in WSL’s RAMS.

We’re searching for someone who brings both expertise and heart—someone motivated by a passion for wildlife and/or botany, and excited to work across Scotland’s beautiful and sometimes challenging habitats.

• Strong knowledge of Scottish ecological legislation and…