Principal Marine Ornithologist

Principal Marine Ornithologist – Glasgow (Hybrid)

Environmental Consultancy Offshore Wind UK & International Projects

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Marine Ornithologist to join its established Marine Ornithology team. This is a key role supporting the delivery of high-quality ornithological assessments, habitat compensation plans, and strategic advice for major renewable energy developments.

The position is based in Glasgow on a hybrid basis, with flexibility built around team and project needs. While the core workload focuses on Scottish offshore wind and wider Scottish renewables, there are opportunities to contribute to international projects for candidates with the right expertise.

The Role

As a Principal Marine Ornithologist, you will play a central role in delivering technical, analytical, and advisory work across a range of offshore wind and marine development projects. Responsibilities include:

• Leading the preparation of ornithological assessments, including EIAs and HRAs
• Developing and delivering habitat compensation and monitoring plans
• Providing technical leadership on seabird ecology and offshore ornithology
• Managing projects, budgets, timelines, and client relationships
• Supporting tender submissions and business development activities
• Undertaking and overseeing seabird fieldwork and survey programmes
• Contributing to strategic research and guidance within the marine ornithology discipline

You will be joining a UK-wide ecology function of around 200 ecologists, including a dedicated ECoW team, with strong collaboration across disciplines.

About You

We are keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate:

• Strong experience in ornithological impact assessment and environmental planning
• Knowledge of seabird ecology, offshore survey methods, and designated site assessments
• Experience with ESAS, colony counts, or digital aerial survey data
• Excellent project management and client-facing skills
• Ability to produce high-quality technical reports and deliver work to deadline
• Higher degree in ecology or a related field, or equivalent experience

Desirable skills include: collision risk modelling, spatial modelling, displacement analysis, PVA, and experience with offshore wind assessments.

Benefits

This organisation offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• 25 days annual leave + statutory holidays
• Option to buy/sell up to 5 days
• 5% employer pension contribution (Scottish Widows)
• BUPA private healthcare (extendable to family at cost)
• 4x death in service
• Business-class travel insurance
• Permanent health insurance (after 13 weeks continuous illness)
• Annual bonus (typically 2–7%, paid April/May)
• Professional fees covered
• Agile working hours (core hours 10:00–16:00)
• Hybrid working, tailored to individual and team needs

Career Development

Progression is structured and transparent:

• Promotion windows in April and October
• Self-submission process: employees put themselves forward when ready, supported by evidence
• Dedicated Learning & Development team to help identify and fill skills gaps
• Annual development meeting with your manager to plan training and progression