Technical Director / Associate / Principal Ecologist / Ornithologist

Our growing business is seeking the best talent to join our Atmos Consulting team of Ecologists, ornithologists, Planning & Consents and GIS specialists in our Inverness (Dingwall) office.

We fit the role to the individual so if you feel that you offer several of the below attributes, then please get in touch to see where our team can offer you an opportunity to meet your career ambitions.

Atmos Consulting is a successful independent environmental and planning consultancy, which has been at the heart of the net-zero economy for 19 years, supporting our clients to realise their project goals.

At Atmos, our team come to work knowing they are working for an organisation committed to growing and developing its people - a business that it is passionate about making a real difference to sustainable development, protecting the environment and enhancing the world we live in.

We attract the best technical consultants by offering the opportunity to develop their role and skills. We deliver on our promises to make sure our staff realise their career ambitions in tune with their personal life and our shared cultural values. Our talent progression and retention is paramount to our success. Investment in the development of our accomplished team is the reason we continue to build strong relationships and grow our already well established client portfolio.

About this opportunity

Due to ongoing growth and a strong pipeline of future work, we require an experienced consultant to join our highly respected team of ecologists and ornithologists in Edinburgh and Inverness that form our Eco North Team. You will be working on a variety of critical projects supporting our clients in the low carbon economy to deliver renewable energy and infrastructure projects.

As a current or emerging Technical Director, Associate or Principal Ecologist / Ornithologist, you will operate as a member of the Atmos Ecology & Biodiversity Team, playing a pivotal role in managing the development of the Ecology function across the Highlands, Islands and North East of Scotland. As an experienced consultant, you will work alongside the Technical Director - Ecology (North), to grow the discipline with focus and drive in leadership (staff management/mentoring), business development, project delivery and technical excellence.

Working with the Managing Director, Technical Directors and Principals across other disciplines and regions, you will improve efficiencies in delivery, continue to expand our offering and raise standards plus enjoy the opportunity to support cross functional sales across the business. Above all, work closely with the teams across the business to ensure a 'one-team' approach to clients, colleagues and projects.

Since everyone's skillset and career goals are different, we seek to carve out a role for the individual. Your role will likely include:

• Practice leadership, coordination and development:
  • Act as a key leadership representative in the Inverness (Dingwall) office.
  • Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the team in Inverness to ensure a 'one-team' approach to clients and projects.
  • Take responsibility for financial and resourcing plans for the team.
  • Monitor ecology and environmental legislative and policy issues that may affect the company's development activities and communicate this widely within the company.
  • Working with the Technical Director - Ecology (North) to identify, develop and scope business improvement and practice development initiatives.
  • Manage and promote the development of the team.
  • Work effectively with the SLT to deliver sustainable growth and stability for Atmos Consulting.
  • Demonstrate leadership and promote the company's message and position to staff and clients.
  • Identify and highlight opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Support an atmosphere which encourages creative thinking and an ethical culture.
• Support the development of new business, including client relations, BD & marketing and proposal preparation:
  • Promote the business and activities of Atmos Consulting to Clients and staff.
  • Support focused business development efforts, including mentoring individuals who show a flare for business development to win work to sustain and grow the team across the wider business.
  • Play an active part in attracting new clients and generating new business for Atmos.
  • Alongside the Technical Director - Ecology (North), develop the profile and presence of Atmos Consulting in the Highlands, Islands and North East Scotland region.
  • Actively engage with colleagues and clients.
  • Manage/oversee input on bids and tenders.
  • Establish and manage relationships with strategic partners, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Ecology consultancy:
  • Act in a leadership role to maintain high standards of technical and commercial delivery of ecology projects as project manager and/or director:
    • Manage non-routine, more complex projects and develop solutions and novel concepts and approaches to unique problems.
    • Direct junior staff in the management of less complex projects.
    • Act as Peer Reviewer across the wider business.
  • Provide strategic and project-specific ecology advice to project teams and clients.
  • Manage the delivery of own projects to timescale and budget and oversee the delivery of the team's projects to timescale and budget.
  • Manage and effectively communicate regularly with the Directors on the key financial performance of your team, projects and tenders (order book, utilisation, billing and profitability).
  • Ensure staff maintain accurate project programmes and budgets.
  • Ensure staff consider Health & Safety and minimise risks at all project stages.
  • Continually review risks and liabilities, highlighting concerns and providing solutions.
• Development and leadership.
  • Provide strategic direction and line management to the team in Inverness (Dingwall).
  • Develop and mentor junior staff and enhance project delivery capabilities.
  • Lead and support the team in meeting company quality, health and safety requirements.
  • Ensure staff and self, operate in accordance with company policies, appropriate code (s) of professional conduct, and company ISO systems with strict adherence to relevant legal requirements.
  • Provide general senior support to the wider company.
  • Manage and effectively report regularly on the key financial performance of the function (order book, utilisation, billing and profitability) to the Senior Leadership Team and the Atmos Board.
  • Ensure staff maintain accurate project programmes and budgets.
• Additional Duties
  • Additionally, you will enjoy liaising with our highly expert colleagues in the wider Adler & Allan Group of companies.

Personal qualities

• Ability to motivate self and others
• Disciplined
• Innovative
• Client focused
• Manages and meets expectations

Who are we looking for?

Your technical focus will ideally be within ecology and ornithology consultancy. Your focus may be wide-ranging or specific to key markets, sectors, client bases and technical delivery.

Our ecologists and ornithologists typically work across a mix of the following skills, and we are particularly interested in hearing from applicants with experience in one or more of these disciplines:

• Ornithology survey, monitoring, assessment/reporting.
• Habitat and terrestrial/freshwater species survey, monitoring, assessment/reporting.
• Protected / notable /invasive species survey and management planning.
• Advising on and managing species survey and development licensing application and delivery (e.g., Schedule 1 birds, bats, great crested newt, otter, water vole, badger).
• Ecological / Environmental of Clerk of Works (ECoW / EnvCoW).
• Hydrological monitoring.
• Biodiversity planning / net gain advice.
• Peatland condition assessment / coring / restoration.

You possess

• A BSc or MSc in a relevant subject, with a minimum of 6 years' experience.
• An Associate or Full member of CIEEM or other relevant body.
• Strong field experience with ambitions to develop technical skills in the team.
• Ability to work on site with contractors and client staff and guide the team in this remit to client satisfaction.
• Fully conversant with the framework of legislation and guidance within the UK.
• Robust project management skills with the ability to plan and deliver works in line with budgets and programme deadlines.
• Excellent report writing skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to advise clients and support junior staff.
• Health and safety awareness, especially safe working practices and risk assessment related to ecology fieldwork.
• Full current driving licence.

What we offer

In addition to rewarding, you with a competitive salary and other standard benefits including 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and pension schemes, Atmos offers:

• Annual discretionary company performance bonus scheme.
• Flexible benefits scheme to suit you, including an employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme, enhanced family-friendly policies, and private healthcare and life assurance.
• A modern, friendly and flexible work environment with real career progression opportunities, supported by our buddying and mentoring scheme.
• A fully supportive environment where you will be actively encouraged to be innovative and collaborative.
• An opportunity to work and lead on a wide variety of cutting-edge projects, addressing the big environmental challenges in the low-carbon economy and shaping the built environment for generations to come.
• Active support to expand your horizons and grow you career.

What our staff say:

"The hard work you put in at Atmos is always recognised, whereas in the past at larger companies it's easier to go by unnoticed and unappreciated."

"I have more of a voice at Atmos than I did whilst working at larger consultancies."

"I am always encouraged to take my leave and my line manager always reminds me to put personal life and my family first!"

"I always have a feeling that my thoughts, abilities, etc are trusted and respected."

We are proud to be an inclusive company. As such we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

All applicants must be in possession of a valid work permit and must hold a full UK driving licence.

Strictly no Agencies.