Principal Marine Ornithologist

Principal Marine Ornithologist

Glasgow (Hybrid)
Environmental Consultancy | Offshore Wind | UK & International Projects

£45,000 - £50,000

A leading environmental consultancy is looking to appoint a Principal Marine Ornithologist to join its well-established Marine Ornithology team. This is a pivotal position supporting the delivery of high-quality ornithological assessments, habitat compensation strategies, and strategic advice across major renewable energy developments.

The role is based in Glasgow with a hybrid working model, offering flexibility to suit both project and team needs. While the primary focus is on Scottish offshore wind and wider renewables projects, there is scope to contribute to international work for candidates with relevant experience.

The Role

As a Principal Marine Ornithologist, you will take a leading role in the technical delivery and strategic direction of marine ornithology projects. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading ornithological assessments, including EIAs and HRAs
• Designing and delivering habitat compensation and monitoring plans
• Providing technical expertise in seabird ecology and offshore ornithology
• Managing projects, including budgets, timelines, and client engagement
• Supporting bids, tenders, and wider business development initiatives
• Overseeing and contributing to seabird survey programmes and fieldwork
• Contributing to research, innovation, and best practice within the discipline

You will join a collaborative UK-wide ecology team of approximately 200 specialists, with strong multidisciplinary support.

About You

We are interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Strong experience in ornithological impact assessment and environmental planning
• In-depth understanding of seabird ecology and offshore survey methodologies
• Experience working with ESAS, colony count data, or digital aerial survey data
• Proven project management and client-facing capabilities
• Strong technical writing skills and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs to deadline
• A degree (or equivalent experience) in ecology or a related discipline

Desirable experience includes:

• Collision risk modelling
• Spatial and displacement modelling
• Population Viability Analysis (PVA)
• Offshore wind project experience

Benefits

A competitive and comprehensive benefits package is on offer, including:

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Option to buy/sell up to 5 additional days
• 5% employer pension contribution (Scottish Widows)
• BUPA private healthcare (with family upgrade options)
• 4x salary death-in-service cover
• Business-class travel insurance
• Permanent health insurance (after 13 weeks continuous illness)
• Annual bonus (typically 2–7%, paid in April/May)
• Professional membership fees covered
• Flexible working hours (core hours 10:00–16:00)
• Hybrid working tailored to individual and team preferences

Career Development

Clear and structured progression is a key part of the culture:

• Promotion reviews twice yearly (April and October)
• Transparent, self-led promotion process supported by evidence
• Dedicated Learning & Development team
• Annual development planning with your line manager