Ecologist / Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)

• United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors.
• Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face.

Our company is split into two business areas

Utility Infrastructure –

Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK’s largest network owners and operators.

Social Infrastructure -

Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance.

Equal Opportunities Statement - At United Infrastructure, we are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If there is anything we can do to support you, remove barriers, or make the process more accessible, please let us know — we want this to be the best possible experience for you.

Ecologist / Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) – Scotland

Reporting To: SHEQ Manager

Location: Scotland – project based with regular travel to live construction sites

Function: SHEQ / Environment

Role Purpose

The Ecologist / Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will provide specialist ecological advice, assurance and site-based support across major infrastructure and construction projects throughout Scotland.

Reporting to the SHEQ Manager, the role will ensure construction activities are undertaken in accordance with Scottish environmental legislation, planning requirements, protected species licences, client requirements and project environmental commitments.

The role will have a strong field-based component, working alongside project management, construction and environmental teams to identify ecological constraints, develop practical mitigation and provide ECoW supervision of activities in environmentally sensitive locations.

The position will be particularly important on linear power infrastructure projects where construction activities may interact with protected species, designated sites, peatland, watercourses, forestry and sensitive habitats.

Key Responsibilities

Ecological Clerk of Works

• Act as ECoW for construction activities requiring ecological supervision.
• Undertake pre-construction ecological checks and surveys.
• Provide watching briefs during sensitive construction activities.
• Monitor compliance with ecological mitigation requirements.
• Identify emerging ecological risks and advise project teams on appropriate controls.
• Establish and monitor ecological exclusion zones and buffers.
• Stop, pause or escalate activities where there is an immediate risk of ecological harm or legal non-compliance.
• Maintain accurate records of ecological inspections, observations and interventions.

Protected Species

Provide specialist advice and support relating to protected and notable species including, where relevant

• Otters.
• Badgers.
• Bats.
• Red squirrels.
• Pine martens.
• Water voles.
• Great crested newts.
• Reptiles and amphibians.
• Breeding birds.
• Schedule 1 birds.
• Raptors.
• Freshwater pearl mussels.
• Fish and aquatic ecology.
• Invasive non-native species.
• Other protected or priority species relevant to project locations.

Ensure works are undertaken in accordance with relevant licences and Species Protection Plans.

Surveys & Assessments

• Undertake or coordinate Preliminary Ecological Appraisals.
• Undertake habitat and protected species surveys within the individual's competence.
• Support UKHab and other appropriate habitat classification and condition assessments.
• Review ecological survey information provided by consultants.
• Identify requirements for additional surveys or specialist ecological support.
• Support ecological inputs into Environmental Impact Assessments and project environmental documentation.

Construction Support

• Review RAMS and construction methodologies for ecological risks.
• Provide ecological input into Construction Environmental Management Plans.
• Develop and implement Species Protection Plans and ecological mitigation measures.
• Undertake pre-start ecological briefings and toolbox talks.
• Provide practical ecological advice to Site Managers, Engineers, Supervisors and subcontractors.
• Attend planning and construction meetings where ecological constraints could affect delivery.

Sensitive Habitats & Peatland

Support the protection and management of sensitive Scottish habitats including

• Peatland and deep peat.
• Blanket bog.
• Wet heath.
• Ancient woodland.
• Native woodland.
• Riparian habitats.
• Freshwater environments.
• Protected and designated sites.

Support implementation and monitoring of habitat and peatland restoration and reinstatement requirements.

Designated Sites

Provide ecological support for projects potentially affecting

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
• Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).
• Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
• Ramsar sites.
• National Nature Reserves.
• Ancient Woodland.
• Local Nature Conservation Sites.

Ensure project teams understand and implement controls associated with designated sites.

Biodiversity & Habitat Enhancement

• Support delivery of project biodiversity objectives.
• Identify opportunities for habitat enhancement and restoration.
• Monitor habitat reinstatement following construction.
• Support biodiversity monitoring programmes.
• Assist with development and implementation of Biodiversity Enhancement Plans and client commitments.
• Maintain evidence demonstrating delivery of ecological mitigation and enhancement measures.

Environmental Compliance

Provide ecological advice relating to applicable Scottish requirements including

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
• Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.
• Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011.
• Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, as amended.
• Protection of Badgers Act 1992.
• Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations 2018, where relevant.
• Applicable planning conditions, licences, consents and client requirements.

Maintain awareness of legislative changes and guidance affecting ecological management in Scotland.

Ecological Incidents

• Respond to ecological incidents and unexpected discoveries.
• Immediately advise project teams where protected species or previously unidentified ecological constraints are encountered.
• Support environmental incident investigations.
• Escalate significant issues to the SHEQ Manager and Environmental Manager.
• Support liaison with statutory bodies where required.
• Capture and communicate lessons learned.

Stakeholder Engagement

Develop effective relationships with clients, project teams, landowners, ecological consultants, local authorities and statutory bodies including NatureScot, SEPA and relevant planning authorities.

Represent the project at ecological and environmental meetings as required.

Reporting & Assurance

• Produce ecological inspection and monitoring reports.
• Maintain ecological constraints registers.
• Maintain records of licences, mitigation and monitoring requirements.
• Track ecological actions through to closure.
• Provide ecological information for project SHEQ reports.
• Support environmental audits and client assurance visits.
• Maintain auditable evidence demonstrating compliance with ecological commitments.

Key Accountabilities

The role is accountable for

• Effective management of ecological risks across project activities.
• Competent delivery of the ECoW function.
• Compliance with protected species legislation and licences.
• Protection of sensitive habitats and designated sites.
• Implementation of Species Protection Plans.
• Accurate and timely ecological records.
• Effective escalation of significant ecological risks.
• Supporting habitat restoration and biodiversity commitments.
• Prevention of avoidable ecological harm.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology or a related discipline.
• Appropriate membership of CIEEM or equivalent professional body.
• Strong working knowledge of Scottish ecological legislation and protected species requirements.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable Qualifications

• Associate or Full Membership of CIEEM.
• Protected species licences relevant to Scottish infrastructure projects.
• CSCS/ECS or equivalent construction site competence.
• ECoW training or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• UKHab training.
• Peatland assessment/restoration experience.
• Environmental auditing qualification.

Essential Experience

• Practical ecological experience within construction, utilities, infrastructure or a similar sector.
• Experience undertaking ecological surveys and site inspections.
• Experience working as an ECoW or providing equivalent construction-phase ecological support.
• Strong knowledge of protected species and habitat management.
• Ability to interpret ecological reports, Species Protection Plans and licence conditions.
• Experience communicating ecological requirements to construction teams.

Desirable Experience

• Power Transmission & Distribution projects.
• Overhead line, underground cable and substation construction.
• Major infrastructure projects in the Scottish Highlands and remote environments.
• SSEN Transmission or SP Energy Networks projects.
• Experience working around peatland, forestry and watercourses.
• Experience working within or adjacent to internationally and nationally designated sites.
• Experience managing ecological interfaces across geographically dispersed construction work fronts.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong field ecology capability.
• Excellent understanding of Scottish protected species requirements.
• Ability to translate ecological requirements into practical construction controls.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Confidence to challenge or stop activities where ecological harm may occur.
• Strong technical reporting and record keeping.
• Ability to work independently in remote and challenging environments.
• Collaborative and solutions-focused approach.

Values & Behaviours

The Ecologist / ECoW will demonstrate professional integrity, sound ecological judgement and visible environmental leadership. They will work collaboratively with project teams to enable successful infrastructure delivery while ensuring Scotland's habitats, species and natural environment are appropriately protected.

The role holder will be fully empowered and expected to challenge, pause or stop activities where there is a foreseeable risk of significant ecological harm, breach of licence conditions or environmental non-compliance

Join us at United Infrastructure and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.