Principal Ecologist - Edinburgh

Edinburgh Environment Full Time, Permanent

About The Role

Pegasus Group is a leading development consultancy that provides planning, design, environmental, economics, and heritage services to a wide range of clients across the UK. We are committed to delivering sustainable, innovative, and high-quality solutions that add value to our clients’ projects. Our new in-house Nature and Biodiversity team will play a critical role in achieving that vision.

As we expand our services, we are looking to appoint Principal Ecologist’s across our offices to design and implement ecological strategy and delivery across a diverse range of projects with a focus on Biodiversity Net Gain services.

This is a role requiring a strong ecological background, commercial awareness, and the ability to manage and deliver complex projects. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior team members, and act as the key technical lead for high-profile projects across various sectors including infrastructure, energy, residential and commercial development.

This is a great chance to join a new and growing team from the beginning.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead and or project manager on a range of ecological projects across a range of sectors (infrastructure, residential, commercial, renewable energy).
• Design, manage, and oversee ecological surveys and assessments (e.g., UKHab, protected species, EcIA, HRA, BNG).
• Provide expert ecological input into Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and planning applications.
• Advise clients on ecological constraints, mitigation, and enhancement opportunities.
• Lead the production and review of BNG assessments using the Statutory Defra metric.
• Design and implement bespoke BNG strategies across development projects. Including high quality onsite green infrastructure and offsite BNG solutions.
• Provide expert guidance to external and internal planners, landscape architects, and design teams to integrate biodiversity into the planning and master planning process.
• Liaise with statutory bodies (e.g., Natural England, local planning authorities) to secure support for proposed ecological approaches.
• Ensure compliance with relevant wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Develop client relationships and ensure repeat and referral work.
• Inputs into fee proposals and multidisciplinary tenders.
• Mentor and support the development of more junior team members.
• Maintain and improve quality assurance and health & safety standards across all Pegasus projects.

Requirements

• A relevant degree in ecology or related environmental discipline.
• At least 8+ years of professional experience in the ecological sector.
• Full membership of CIEEM (or eligibility), working towards chartership.
• Expertise in UK ecology, legislation, and planning system.
• Demonstrable knowledge in Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Proven track record of managing complex ecological projects.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Protected species licences (e.g. Bats, Great Crested Newt, Hazel Dormouse).

Desirable

• Line management experience.
• Experience in developing offsite BNG solutions or sourcing Biodiversity Units
• Experience in designing and implementing habitat creation or enhancement schemes.
• Relevant protected species survey licenses.

What are the benefits to you?

We offer an excellent remuneration and overall benefits package when you join Pegasus Group, which you can view here

We committed to helping you reach your full potential and support with a range of training and development initiatives throughout your whole career, enabling you to learn and progress through our stepping stones programme.

About Us.

We are a dynamic development consultancy that thrives on innovation. Our passion lies in crafting stunning spaces that enrich both the built and natural environment, ultimately impacting people's lives for the better. With expertise spanning various sectors such as residential, health, education, retail, energy, leisure, and employment, we specialise in delivering forward-thinking and sustainable solutions tailored to the demands and possibilities of the 21st century.

Diversity, Inclusion and Recognition.

Since 2003, Pegasus Group has consistently grown, earning a reputation for excellence and delivery in the market. Our success is attributed to the commitment and dedication of our talented people across our 14 offices.

Our staff are the cornerstone of our achievements, playing a pivotal role in our company's success. We prioritise valuing and empowering our team, fostering a culture of inclusion, and belonging. At Pegasus Group, we emphasise caring for each other, our communities, and our clients. Every individual is encouraged to bring their authentic, best self to work every day.

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