Head of Ecology

Location

Edinburgh

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Ecology to lead and grow a ecology and environmental services team supporting renewable energy developments across the UK. This leadership role will focus primarily on onshore wind, solar, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, helping clients successfully deliver critical infrastructure that supports the transition to a low-carbon energy future.

The successful candidate will provide strategic direction, technical leadership, and operational oversight for ecology services across a growing portfolio of renewable energy projects. The role requires a strong understanding of environmental planning, protected species legislation, habitat management, and consenting processes associated with renewable energy developments.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious ecology professional to shape and expand a consultancy offering within one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK energy market.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and develop the ecology team, providing technical guidance, mentoring, and professional development support.
• Develop and implement the company’s ecology growth strategy aligned with renewable energy sector opportunities.
• Support business development activities, including client engagement, framework bids, and proposal preparation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, planners, regulators, and key industry stakeholders.
• Represent the business at industry events, conferences, and client meetings.

Technical Delivery

• Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for ecological assessments and deliverables.
• Lead ecology input into onshore wind, solar, and BESS projects from feasibility through to planning consent and construction.
• Oversee delivery of:
• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
• Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
• Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA)
• Protected species surveys and mitigation strategies
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
• Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP)
• Habitat Management Plans (HMP)
• Advise clients on environmental constraints, planning risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant UK and devolved environmental legislation and planning policy.

Operational & Commercial Management

• Manage team resourcing, project allocation, and utilisation targets.
• Oversee project budgets, programme delivery, and commercial performance.
• Support recruitment and expansion of the ecology function.
• Drive continuous improvement in technical standards, systems, and service delivery.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including planning, landscape, engineering, and environmental assessment specialists.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or related discipline.
• Significant professional experience within ecological consultancy, including leadership or senior management responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience delivering ecology services for renewable energy infrastructure projects, particularly onshore wind, solar, and/or BESS developments.
• Strong knowledge of UK ecological legislation, planning policy, and licensing requirements.
• Extensive experience managing complex ecological assessments and multidisciplinary environmental projects.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage clients, and contribute to business growth.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Full membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status desirable.