eilidh mcnab

postgraduate research student

About

Eilidh is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Stirling, looking at the impacts of native woodland creation on Biodiversity. Eilidh has a first class honours degree in Zoology from the University of Dundee, and an MSc in Environmental Management from the University of Stirling. She is a licensed bat surveyor and also specialises in other protected mammal surveys and ornithology. She is an experienced field surveyor, and has previously undertaken bird vantage point surveys for ecological consultancy. She recently completed a JNCC accepted Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training course. She was an Ecological Consultant with Direct Ecology Ltd for over three years, including one year as a Senior Ecologist. Prior to this she completed a highly competitive 18 month Heritage Lottery funded traineeship in Ecological Survey Skills with the Scottish Wildlife Trust. She is an active member of Central Scotland Bat Group, and also undertakes volunteer surveys for the British Trust for Ornithology. She also leads conservation projects for young people with the Green Team.

Country

united kingdom

City

edinburgh

Industry

renewables & environment

Skill

bat surveying, ornithology, european protected species surveys, gis, presentations, report writing, nvc surveys, team leadership, educational leadership, phase 1 surveys, ecology, biodiversity, surveying, wildlife, environmental awareness, youth work, birds, habitat restoration, conservation issues, conservation biology, marine mammals, environmental policy, environmental impact assessment, environmental science, endangered species

Experience

postgraduate research student

university of dundee

2016-10 - Present · 10 yrs

retail assistant

trespass

2011-1 - 2011-4 · 4 mos

* Duties included unpacking and arranging stock * providing a high level of customer support and service * money handling.

laboratory and field assistant

scottish crop research institute

2009-5 - 2009-9 · 5 mos

* Duties included measuring crop growth (barley: height and green index) * root harvest, scanning and measurement * data entry * seed preparation.

front of house and science explainer

sensation science centre

2006-3 - 2008-1 · 1 yr 11 mos

volunteer group co-ordinator, youth leader and board member

green team

2009-2 - Present · 17 yrs 8 mos

* Planning day and residential projects * running projects * supporting other volunteer leaders * leading practical conservation activities and environmental games * liaising with staff from ranger services across Scotland.

ecologist

direct ecology ltd

2013-4 - 2015-5 · 2 yrs 2 mos

* Involved in a wide range of field surveys and office based work, including: initial bat surveys (SNH licensed bat surveyor) * dawn and dusk bat emergence counts * bat transects * phase 1 habitat surveys * European Protected Species surveys * breeding bird surveys * report writing * GIS * BREEAM assessments * client liason and tendering.

ecologist

echoes ecology ltd

2012-12 - 2013-3 · 4 mos

Specialising in ornithological work, including vantage point surveying, wintering bird surveying and raptor monitoring.

trainee ecologist

scottish wildlife trust

2011-5 - 2012-11 · 1 yr 7 mos

Planning and undertaking a wide range of ecological surveys. Main areas of interest were bats, other mammals and birds. Collaborations with a large number of NGOs and commercial organisations. Writing reports and giving powerpoint presentations.

advisor

hm revenue & customs

2008-11 - 2009-4 · 6 mos

Tax Credits Helpline Advising customers on the tax credits system and individual claims. Updating accounts held on the computer system and dealing with queries and complaints.

postgraduate research student

university of stirling

2016-10 - Present · 10 yrs

Undertaking a PhD research project looking at the impacts of large scale native woodland restoration on biodiversity, particularly birds.

senior ecologist

direct ecology ltd

2015-5 - 2016-8 · 1 yr 4 mos

* Involved in a wide range of field surveys and office based work, including: initial bat surveys (SNH licensed bat surveyor) * dawn and dusk bat emergence counts * bat transects * Phase 1 Habitat surveys * European Protected Species surveys * breeding bird surveys * vantage point surveys for wind farms * report writing * GIS * BREEAM assessments * client liaison and tendering. Lead surveyor for a variety of projects, including licensed bat works.

Education

university of stirling

1996-1 - 2004-1 · 8 yrs 1 mo

linlithgow academy

Advanced higher biology - grade A; 2 Highers - grade A August 2003: 5 Highers - all at grade A August 2002: 8 Standard Grades - all at grade 1

university of dundee

zoology

2004-1 - 2008-1 · 4 yrs 1 mo

Environmental Science Level 1 Class Medal 2004/2005 Honours project: Population study of the common buzzard on Colonsay. Key modules: conservation biology, island biogeography, evolution, animal behaviour and ecophysiology

university of stirling

management

2009-1 - 2010-1 · 1 yr 1 mo

Masters thesis: “Are crossbills in Scotland adapted to key conifers?” (Collaboration with RSPB and RZSS) Key modules and interests: UK environmental policy, environmental monitoring and assessment of terrestrial and river systems, river conservation and management, remote sensing, biodiversity and conservation biology, statistics.