Arcadis
Senior / Principal Ecologist (Botany)
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Senior / Principal Ecologist (Botany)
Senior & Principal Ecologist – Glasgow or Edinburgh
Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 34,000 people, across over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life.
About the Role
Every role at Arcadis helps tackle some of society’s most complex challenges—from mitigating climate change and protecting biodiversity to delivering resilient infrastructure. This is an opportunity for Senior and Principal Ecologists with strong botanical expertise to join our growing team in Glasgow or Edinburgh, leading ecological consultancy projects in Scotland while shaping the future of our impact-driven consultancy.
Our Ecology Team supports extensive projects across the UK and internationally, including infrastructure, renewable energy, transport, and water schemes. In Scotland, we specialise in environmentally sensitive landscapes, particularly upland habitats, and we are looking for field-leading botanists with hands-on experience in surveying such sites.
As a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you’ll become a technical leader across ecological commissions, focusing on botanical surveys, habitat assessment, and upland ecology. You’ll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams and clients, providing high-impact environmental guidance that drives sustainable development and positive outcomes.
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Your responsibilities will include project management, survey oversight, mentoring junior colleagues, and expanding Arcadis’ ecology capabilities in Scotland.
Key Responsibilities
You’ll take a strategic approach to ecology through a mix of technical delivery, project leadership, and client-facing activies, including:
- Leading and conducting botanical and habitat surveys
- Providing ecological insights for Ecological and Environmental Impact Assessments (EcIA/EIA)
- Offering specialist expertise on upland habitats, peatland conservation, and habitat management
- Developing biodiversity strategies and Natural Capital plans
- Managing ecological projects to ensure quality, timelines, and budget adherence
- Mentoring junior ecologists to strengthen team capability
- Expanding Arcadis’ ecology business in Scotland
Requirements
Must-Have Experience & Skills
We’re specifically looking for candidates with:
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Proven field botany and habitat survey expertise
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FISC Level 3+ qualification (or equivalent botanical expertise)
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Hands-on experience surveying upland habitats across Scotland
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Strong understanding of Scottish habitats, vegetation communities, and upland land-use practices
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Experience delivering ecological advice for major projects (e.g. renewables, transmission, transport, water, or developments)
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Excellent technical reporting, project management, and communication skills
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A collaborative mindset, with the ability to build strong client relationships and stakeholder trust
[NVC survey experience and familiarity with Scotland’s planning system are advantageous.]
Why Join Arcadis?
You’ll join a purpose-driven organisation where every contribution matters. Arcadis is committed to putting skills and diverse expertise at our core, helping you shape your career on your terms while making a lasting impact.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
🌍 Meaningful work – You’ll be part of sustainable solutions that transform society and the planet.
📈 Career growth – A supportive, skills-led culture where your unique knowledge drives your development.
🤝 A passionate team – A collaborative workplace where equal isolated ideas come to life in creative, innovative ways.
We’re dedicated to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging—a workplace where every person thrives. Through six ED&I Workstreams (Age, Disability, Faith, Gender, LGBT+, and Race), we foster an environment where diverse perspectives turn deadlocks into breakthroughs.
Make your mark. Lead the future of ecology. Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
Arcadis is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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