Terrestrial Ecologist

Company Description

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Job Description

As a Terrestrial Ecologist, you will play a key role in delivering ecological expertise for environmental survey and studies. You will be responsible for leading on-site ecological surveys, species identification, habitat evaluations, and biodiversity monitoring. Key responsibilities include: 

• Conduct terrestrial ecological surveys, including flora, fauna, habitat mapping, and ecological baseline assessments.

• Identify species of ecological importance, including protected or threatened species relevant to UAE and regional regulations.

• Prepare high-quality technical reports, ecological survey reports, biodiversity assessments, and mitigation plans.

• Assess potential ecological impacts of development projects and propose scientifically sound mitigation, restoration, and monitoring measures.

• Contribute to the design and implementation of Biodiversity Action Plans, habitat management plans, and long-term monitoring programs.

• Work closely with GIS specialists to develop ecological maps and spatial analyses.

• Liaise with government entities (e.g., EAD, MOCCAE, Dubai Municipality) and ensure compliance with UAE environmental legislation, international best practices, and project-specific requirements.

• Support fieldwork planning, logistics, and data collection following health and safety procedures.

• Provide technical input during stakeholder engagement, environmental permitting, and project review processes.

• Keep up to date with regional ecological trends, species status, and conservation priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.

• 3–7 years of relevant experience in terrestrial ecology (UAE or GCC experience preferred).

• Strong knowledge of desert ecology, flora and fauna identification, habitat classification, and ecological survey methodologies.

• Proficiency in ecological data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Familiarity with GIS tools and spatial analysis (ArcGIS/QGIS) is an advantage.

• Strong understanding of UAE environmental regulations and international standards (IFC, CBD, IUCN, etc.).

• Ability to work in challenging field conditions (remote desert locations, rugged terrains).

• Excellent communication, teamwork, and technical writing skills.

Additional Information

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