Senior Ecologist

Atlantic58 is a small but rapidly growing environmental, ecological and social consultancy & research centre based in the Isle of Lewis, Western Isles. We provide a range of professional environmental consultancy services, focusing on projects within the unique social, cultural, and ecological landscape of the Western Isles. Our clients range from local community development trusts to global multinationals and our work spans renewables, infrastructure, the space sector, aquaculture, forestry, and fisheries, while also undertaking conservation, ecological research, and projects that support the local communities and environment.

Being based in the Western Isles provides the extraordinary opportunity to work in one of the UK’s most distinctive natural and cultural environments. Our projects are regularly within or connected to nationally and internationally designated sites, sensitive habitats, rare and protected species, and challenging environmental sensitivities alongside the unique characteristics of crofting, island and Gaelic communities. Our work demands care, integrity and a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

Our office is set within the picturesque Lews Castle Grounds in Stornoway, situated within the UHI North, West and Hebrides campus. This setting provides close links with academia, offering opportunities for collaborative research and applied ecological projects. The office space is dog-friendly and includes a private enclosed outdoor area.

The Role

Atlantic58 is seeking an experienced, adaptable, and highly skilled Senior Ecologist to join our growing Ecology Team. This role is designed for someone with ecological expertise across flora, fauna, habitats, and ornithology, with experience working within remote, island, or challenging coastal and upland environments.

As Senior Ecologist, you will lead and deliver a wide range of ecological surveys, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), protected species licensing, and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) monitoring. You will take responsibility for complex projects across renewables, infrastructure, community trusts, and land management sectors. Additionally, you will provide technical leadership, line manage junior ecologists and manage client and regulator relationships, with support from our Principal Ecologist.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading ecological survey programmes, including planning, coordinating and undertaking complex field surveys across a range of habitats and development projects, for botanical, protected species and birds.
• Providing specialist ecological input for sensitive island and coastal habitats, including blanket bog, wet heath, machair and other priority habitats.
• Preparing, reviewing and signing off technical ecological deliverables, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Survey Reports, Species Protection Plans, EIA chapters and Habitat Regulations Appraisals.
• Supporting protected species licensing and regulatory compliance, including preparing and submitting European Protected Species licence applications to NatureScot and working under relevant species licences.
• Supporting ECoW duties on renewable energy, infrastructure and marine projects, providing ecological advice to site teams and contractors on mitigation, protected species and compliance with environmental requirements.
• Managing ecological projects from inception to completion, including programming, budgets, resources, subcontractors, deliverables and client requirements.
• Acting as a technical point of contact for regulators, clients, developers and contractors, providing practical ecological advice throughout the planning, consenting and construction phases of projects.
• Supporting stakeholder engagement and public consultation for ecologically sensitive developments, providing clear and practical technical input.
• Supervising and supporting other ecologists, including allocating work, reviewing technical outputs, providing technical guidance and supporting professional development.

Essential Criteria

• A relevant degree in Ecology or a related discipline or sufficient work experience.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in consultancy or applied ecology with a proven track record of project delivery.
• Demonstrable experience across ecology, including habitat survey/classification (NVC/Phase 1/UKHab), protected species (otter, bats, etc.), and bird survey techniques.
• Proven experience working in remote, exposed, or challenging field environments like the Western Isles (e.g. Scottish Highlands and Islands, coastal/peatland ecosystems, variable weather conditions).
• Demonstrated competence in writing and reviewing PEAs, and species protection plans.
• Proficiency in GIS software (QGIS and/or ArcGIS) for spatial data handling, field survey mapping, and reporting.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for fieldwork.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Desirable Criteria

• Full Member status of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (MCIEEM) or working toward Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) status.
• Direct experience acting as an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) on construction or renewables sites.
• Knowledge and practical experience of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Scottish biodiversity enhancement frameworks, or Peatland Code assessments.
• Experience of writing EIA ecology chapters and HRAs.
• Valid CSCS card and certified 4×4 off-road driving qualification.

What we offer

A sustainable work-life balance is very important to us, and we seek to provide a supportive, friendly and rewarding place to work. In addition, we offer:

• Permanent contract (6 months’ probation period)
• Salary range £35,000-£40,000 pa dependent on experience.
• Full time (35 hours per week)
• Hybrid working available when field commitments allow
• Time of in lieu (TOIL)
• Company pension
• 25 days holiday plus 8 statutory/bank holidays
• Use of company vehicles for work-related travel
• Monthly personal development days (full-time) or half day (part-time)
• One paid professional membership a year
• Regular/extensive training and development opportunities
• Relocation or moving allowance (where applicable)

Informal enquiries are welcome – please contact Ruth, Ecology Team Lead at [email protected]