ecow

Job Title: Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
Location: Scotland and Northern England (including remote and rural sites)
Job Type: Full-Time – Contract or Permanent
Experience Required: Minimum 5 years

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) to support infrastructure projects by ensuring ecological protection and regulatory compliance throughout construction and maintenance activities.

This role involves working across remote and environmentally sensitive locations, requiring regular travel and the ability to operate effectively in challenging outdoor conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide on-site ecological supervision and guidance across all project phases
• Monitor contractor activities to ensure ecological compliance and best practice
• Undertake habitat surveys and protected species monitoring in varied environments
• Develop and implement site-specific ecological management and mitigation plans
• Deliver toolbox talks and ecological awareness training to site teams
• Liaise with contractors, project teams, regulators, and landowners
• Record and report ecological incidents, non-compliance, and mitigation outcomes
• Support licensing and consent applications with accurate documentation
• Advise on adaptive management solutions for unexpected ecological issues

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as an ECoW or in a similar field-based ecology role
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and mitigation strategies
• Proven experience working in remote and rural environments, with willingness to travel and stay away
• Experience with protected species licensing and mitigation (e.g. bats, badgers, water voles, birds, amphibians)
• Strong species identification skills (flora and fauna)
• Degree (BSc or MSc) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
• Full UK driving licence
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Membership of, or eligibility for, a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM) desirable
• Experience with GIS, data collection tools, and ecological reporting

Why Apply?

• Work on major infrastructure projects in environmentally significant locations
• Gain exposure to diverse habitats and protected species work
• Competitive salary or day rate depending on experience
• Opportunities for long-term project involvement and career development

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.