Ecologist / Senior Ecologist (Terrestrial)

Affric Limited, is a successful and ambitious business based near Inverness in the Highlands. We provide independent professional Environmental Consultancy services to a range of business sectors from Renewables to Distilleries, and Ports and Harbours. Our close-knit team provide ecological and environmental support throughout the project life-cycle from concept to construction, operations and decommissioning. Affric has a small, focused team which provides a friendly supportive working environment. 

You will play an integral role as part of our team, providing specialist ecological input to deliver consenting support to a range of projects from initial feasibility through planning, procurement, construction, operation and in some instances, to decommissioning. 

We are looking for an ecologist with a good knowledge of Scottish terrestrial ecology, current environmental legislation and policies, and ecological guidance. You will have experience undertaking habitat surveys and ideally, carrying out baseline condition assessments for biodiversity enhancement. You would be responsible for supporting the delivery of a range of consenting requirements, including:

• Production of supporting documents for a range of planning and consenting needs;

• Designing ecological surveys; 

• Carrying out ecological surveys (aligned to candidate’s specialism); 

• Proposing ecological and environmental mitigation; 

• Inputting to HRA Pre-screening reports; 

• Inputting to EIA chapters; and 

• Providing onsite support. 

The successful candidate will be based in the Affric Office near Inverness or at our Office in Stirling. You may be expected to travel to meet client’s needs; this may include working away for a few days or more at a time. We pride ourselves on having  flexible working arrangements for mutual benefit of our staff and clients. Your progression is encouraged and supported, and will be determined by performance.  Training opportunities to provide personal and professional development are available and encouraged.

The successful candidate will have relevant work experience, a can-do attitude, a practical mindset and be able to fit in with the team and be able to work on their own initiative. They will also: 

• Have degree (equivalent or higher) in in an ecological or related subject; 

• Have experience of completing extended phase 1 habitat or UKHab surveys; 

• Bring a good working knowledge and understanding of Scottish wildlife legislation; 

• Have strong report writing and communication skills; 

• Hold a Full, clean UK manual driving license.

• Experience of undertaking an Environmental/ecological Clerk of Works role;

• Have additional field survey skills such as protected species surveying;

• Experience of completing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals;

• Hold or be working towards an appropriate Institute Membership e.g. CIEEM;

We are a close-knit, friendly and supportive team, often engaging in team socials and events.  We have a supportive office atmosphere.  We are keen to support personal development and progression and regularly carry out internal training sessions, as well as providing opportunities for external training.  We offer 25 days annual leave plus 9 public holidays along with a pension scheme and a health care scheme for all employees.  We will support your applications to professional membership, and cover annual subscription fees.  Affric promote a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible working options to support voluntary and/or family commitments.

The starting position (Ecologist/Senior Ecologist) and salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s previous experience.