Landscape Ecologist

About Wildish Environmental

Wildish Environmental is a small, purpose-driven environmental consultancy operating at the forefront of Scotland’s nature recovery transition. We work at the interface of ecology, land management, and natural capital – translating complex ecological data into strategic, investable restoration projects.

• Habitat mapping and ecological monitoring
• Natural capital assessments
• Environmental project funding applications
• National-level guidance and policy input

We work with private estates, land-based businesses, NGOs, government bodies, and impact-driven investors to deliver measurable ecological change. This is not a volume consultancy. We prioritise depth, rigour, and long‑term ecological integrity.

We are hiring a Landscape Ecologist – a technically capable generalist with strong field competence and the to support strategic restoration design and natural capital projects. This role blends:

• Hands‑on ecological survey work
• Natural capital and restoration planning
• Opportunities for client engagement

You will work closely with the founders in a high‑trust, high‑autonomy environment. The role combines delivery of live projects with contributing to the development of internal systems, templates, and workflows as the business grows.

We are looking for someone who enjoys both rugged fieldwork and rigorous thinking – and who is motivated by landscape‑scale change rather than box‑ticking consultancy outputs. You will be supported to grow into increasing levels of responsibility as your experience and confidence develops.

1. Field Survey & Technical Delivery (Primarily Spring – Autumn). You will be responsible for ensuring field data is robust, defensible, and aligned with current Scottish policy and funding requirements. You will lead and support fieldwork across remote and challenging Scottish terrain, including:

• Phase 1 and UKHab surveys
• National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys
• Habitat Impact Assessments (HIA)
• Peat depth surveys and GWDTE assessments
• Condition assessments for woodland, peatland, and freshwater habitats
• Other ecological surveys depending on experience

2. Strategic Consultancy & Natural Capital (Year‑Round). A key part of the role is translating ecological complexity into clear, structured, decision‑ready documents. You will contribute to:

• Restoration masterplans and habitat management strategies
• Natural capital baseline assessments
• Carbon project documentation (Peatland Code / Woodland Carbon Code support)
• Funding applications (e.g. Nature Restoration Fund and related schemes)
• High‑quality technical reports for landowners, investors, and public bodies

3. Business Systems & Project Coordination. As a growing consultancy, you’ll have opportunities to contribute to improving internal processes. You will:

• Develop and maintain QGIS templates and project workflows
• Improve reporting frameworks and data management protocols
• Coordinate subcontractors and specialist surveyors
• Support technical scoping for new projects
• Contribute to continuous improvement of internal systems

• 2–5 years of experience in ecology, land management, or equivalent applied role
• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related discipline
• Strong habitat identification skills in a Scottish context (UKHab and/or Phase
  1)
• Demonstrable experience in NVC or botanical survey work
• Clear, professional technical writing skills
• Familiarity with GIS
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Experience with Peatland Code and/or Woodland Carbon Code projects
• Working knowledge of automation or structured reporting in QGIS and Mergin Maps
• Ornithology, European Protected Species, entomology, or other taxonomic specialisation
• Understanding of Scotland’s evolving nature and biodiversity policy landscape
• Experience engaging directly with landowners or clients

Meaningful Influence
:
You will work on nationally significant restoration projects and contribute directly to their design and delivery.

Genuine Variety
: A balanced split between field ecology, strategic thinking, and systems development.

Mentorship & Growth
:
Direct collaboration with the founders in building a high‑impact consultancy.

Flexibilit…