A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join BEAR Scotland’s Environmental Team as an Environmental Advisor based at our Inverness office.

The North-West Trunk Road Unit spans some 1,422km of trunk road through some of the most scenic parts of the country.  It also includes 1,501 bridges and structures, including the Kessock Bridge which carries the A9 north of Inverness and the A87 Skye Crossing.

The North-West Unit covers a huge area of Scotland, from Thurso and Wick in the very north of the Highlands down to Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute, from Uig on Skye to Perth and Stirling in the central belt.

In this role, you will support the NW Environmental Manager in the delivery of environmental and ecological work for all proposed schemes on the NW NMC.
The role includes:

• To provide support and advice to the design teams on environmental matters.
• Contribute towards and manage a portfolio of environmental and ecological assessments being undertaken for a variety of planned schemes.
• Promote environmental best practice at all stages
• Engage and collaborate with environmental stakeholders and regulators.
• Liaise with contractors and specialist consultants to ensure timely completion of environmental deliverables.
• Write reports which communicate complex environmental issues in a clear and concise manner.
• Input / review of applications for protected species derogation licences, Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) licences, marine licences, etc.
• Contributing towards and undertaking Habitats Regulations Appraisals (HRA).
• Planning and undertaking ecological surveys and site visits across the NW trunk road network.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• A relevant degree relating to the environment / ecology.
• An understanding of the environmental impacts associated with infrastructure developments and the statutory / non-statutory environmental impact assessment process.
• Experience in writing and reviewing environmental documents and reports.
• A strong knowledge of Scotland’s ecology and practical experience in undertaking ecological field work.
• Good communication skills (both written and verbal), strong team-working capabilities, and the ability to work independently and take responsibility for delegated schemes.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage a challenging workload which is subject to change at short notice.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.
• Hold a full and current UK driving licence.

The below additional qualifications are highly desirable but not required to be successful in the role:

• Hold or be working towards a NatureScot species licence(s).
• Knowledge of bat ecology, with experience undertaking surveys and licencing.
• Be a qualified tree climber.
• Hold a valid CSCS card.
• Have experience acting as an Ecological or Environmental Clerk of Works on construction sites.

The closing date for applications is 22 March 2024