Lead Ecologist (Scotland)

Zulu Ecosystems’ mission is to regenerate natural ecosystems responsibly so that the planet and its communities can thrive. We combine proprietary technology and domain expertise with on-the-ground relationships to mobilise landowners, investors, government bodies, and communities around large scale nature programmes.

Our primary focus in Scotland is on the natural regeneration of ancient woodlands, woodland creation, and peatland restoration. All of our projects seek to achieve the highest overall impact in terms of uplift on carbon, biodiversity, and water.

YOUR MISSION

As Lead Ecologist (Scotland), you will focus on baseline and condition assessment surveys along with ground truthing our analytics to support the design and delivery of a range of our projects across Scotland. Reporting to the Regeneration Programme Manager (Scotland), and as a member of our Operations team, your work will contribute to our restoration projects' planning, design, implementation, and long-term management. Working closely with a multi-disciplinary team of colleagues, your work will help to ensure a range of ecosystem outcomes. 

As a committed professional and experienced ecologist, you will seek to apply the highest standards of ecological integrity and project quality while remaining agile, creative, and practical in your approach to working with a range of ecosystems and stakeholders. 

You will: 

• Conduct habitat and species surveys to inform the design and implementation of ancient woodland restoration, woodland creation, and peatland restoration projects. 
• Support project managers by providing the necessary surveys for ancient woodland restoration, woodland creation, and peatland restoration in line with funding requirements. 
• Ground truth initial desk-based project analytics.
• Undertake ongoing monitoring, reporting, and verification of our projects.
• Contribute to improving internal models and research on biodiversity indicators and potential uplift.

This role balances field work with desk-based responsibilities: you will undertake essential baseline and condition assessment surveys and ongoing monitoring and reporting. You will work directly with colleagues on designing and delivering on-the-ground projects. You will be providing important information to ensure that projects are delivering on our commitment to achieve the highest overall impact on carbon, biodiversity, and water uplift. 

YOUR PROFILE

• A love of nature and a strong commitment to help solve the climate and nature crises. 
• Membership (or working towards membership) of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). 
• I have proven field surveying skills and competency in a variety of habitat and species survey techniques, including the National Vegetation Classification (NVC woodlands, grassland, and mires), breeding birds, herbivore impact assessment, woodland herbivore impact assessment, protected species, peat depth, and peatland condition assessment.
• Knowledge of processing techniques and manipulation of GIS datasets: proficiency in GIS mapping data and software and experience in digital field data collection and analysis.
• Experienced in data analysis and reporting.
• Independent, proactive, methodical, and data-driven approach to problem-solving. 
• Ability to manage a broad scope of work and survey several projects concurrently. 
• Experience working in upland environments and remote lone working. 
• Communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders, including landowners and land managers.
• Driver’s license and willingness to travel within Scotland. 

Nice to haves: 

• Experienced in survey methodology design and development.
• Ability and willingness to deliver survey training to colleagues and land managers.
• Thought leader with a keen interest in policy and practice and the ability to participate in industry consultations and discussions.