Assistant Ecologist

We’re looking for an Assistant Ecologist (Environment Ranger) to join our Planning & Environment team based at our Glenbranter Office in the Cowal District, Central Region.

The Environment Team works within the Planning & Environment Department and is responsible for monitoring and managing a wide range of designated sites, scheduled monuments, priority habitats and protected species across the national forest estate. The team supports sustainable land management by carrying out ecological surveys, providing specialist advice, and helping to shape land management plans and conservation projects.

As Assistant Ecologist (Environment Ranger), you’ll play a key role in providing baseline ecological surveys ahead of forestry operations and helping to protect and enhance the natural environment across the region. Your work will include surveying for protected species, developing mitigation plans, monitoring designated sites and habitats, supporting licence applications, and contributing to land management planning. Alongside field-based work, you’ll also undertake reporting, data management and GIS mapping activities, providing valuable ecological information to support decision-making and operational delivery.

To be successful, you’ll need an HND or equivalent qualification in Ecology, Conservation or a related discipline, together with experience of surveying for protected species and designing mitigation plans. You should be capable of independently planning and delivering ecological surveys, have good general fitness for working outdoors in challenging terrain and weather conditions, and hold a full UK driving licence (or be able to undertake the role by other means). Desirable experience and qualifications include knowledge of UK protected species legislation, GIS mapping skills, CIEEM membership, protected species survey licences, specialist expertise in one or more taxonomic groups, and knowledge of Schedule 1 breeding bird species ecology.

Please click here to view the full list of benefits of working for us.

If this sounds like a role you’re interested in, we’d encourage you to apply with your CV. Please ensure you provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description and success profile document.