Senior Environmental Clerk of Works

Be at the Forefront of Environmental Delivery – Protecting Biodiversity Where It Matters Most

Join a leading global environmental consultancy and play a critical, hands-on role in safeguarding the natural environment across major infrastructure and renewables projects. This is an opportunity to combine technical ecological expertise with real-world impact on site.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As an Ecological/Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW), you will provide expert on-site ecological support across pre-construction, construction and early post-construction phases. Working within Tetra Tech’s Nature team, you will oversee compliance with environmental planning conditions, licences and mitigation strategies, ensuring high standards of environmental protection are maintained.

You will act as a key technical presence on site, advising contractors and clients, maintaining accurate ecological records, and ensuring effective communication between stakeholders. Alongside site-based responsibilities, you will contribute to wider ecological consultancy projects and support regional growth within the Scotland Nature team.

Your Impact in this Position

You will directly influence how major projects interact with the natural environment—protecting biodiversity, ensuring compliance, and enabling projects to progress responsibly. Your expertise will help translate ecological constraints into practical solutions, minimising risk while maintaining programme delivery. You will also support the development of best practice and mentor junior team members, strengthening technical capability across projects.

Core Capabilities

Site-Based Environmental Compliance & Supervision

• Deliver on-site ecological audits, monitoring and supervision across construction projects
• Ensure compliance with planning conditions, licences and mitigation measures

Ecological Surveys & Technical Delivery

• Undertake and oversee protected species surveys and habitat assessments
• Maintain accurate, auditable records and ensure quality of ecological data

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Act as a key interface between contractors, clients, and regulators
• Deliver toolbox talks and briefings to translate ecological requirements into practical actions

Problem Solving & Incident Management

• Respond to ecological constraints and unexpected events with pragmatic, compliant solutions
• Advise on mitigation and escalate where required to avoid project delays

Process Improvement & Technical Contribution

• Support biodiversity outcomes, including input to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
• Contribute to ecological reporting, method statements, and continuous improvement across projects

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Relevant degree or equivalent experience in ecology or environmental science, with membership (or eligibility) of CIEEM. Proven experience in an EnvCoW or similar field-based ecological role on infrastructure or renewables projects. Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and licensing, with practical protected species experience. Confident communicator with strong reporting skills, able to work independently on site and manage competing priorities. Full UK driving licence required; protected species licences are advantageous.

Working Environment

This is a North Scotland-based role combining home working, site work, and linkage to the Edinburgh office. The position involves regular travel to project sites, with flexibility in working patterns including hybrid and adaptable hours. We actively support flexible working arrangements to promote a positive work-life balance.