Principal Ornithologist

Principal Ornithologist – Environmental Consultancy

Location: Bristol / Cardiff

Salary: £40,000–£47,000

Full-time or part-time (minimum 30 hours)

Hybrid working | Employee-owned organisation

A leading employee-owned environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Ornithologist to join its established UK ecology team. With offices across England, Scotland and Wales, the organisation delivers a wide range of local and national projects and is committed to addressing biodiversity loss and the climate emergency.

The successful candidate will be based in one of the consultancy’s regional offices in England or Wales and will work closely with an experienced ornithology team, while also contributing to the wider ecology portfolio.

About the Work

The consultancy supports an exceptionally diverse range of projects, including:

• Renewable energy and grid infrastructure
• Historic building and landscape restoration
• Regenerative agriculture initiatives
• Strategic biodiversity enhancement and nature recovery planning
• Protected species surveys across uplands, lowlands and urban environments

Projects span habitats from remote upland landscapes to major urban centres, with survey work covering species such as bats, osprey, dormouse, otter and a wide range of bird species.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and managing ornithology projects from inception to completion
• Coordinating and planning field surveys with colleagues
• Managing, mentoring and developing junior team members
• Analysing and interpreting ornithological data
• Preparing high-quality reports and undertaking ornithological assessments
• Managing client relationships and communications
• Supporting tendering and wider business development activities

This role is well suited to someone with consultancy experience in ornithology or ecology, particularly within the energy generation and transmission sectors.

Working Environment

As an employee-owned organisation, staff have the opportunity to participate in business ownership and decision-making through an Employee Ownership Trust. The consultancy is known for its strong values, collaborative culture and commitment to flexible working.

A full-time role is based on 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexible arrangements, including part-time hours (minimum 30 per week), are available.

Hybrid working is supported.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Strong knowledge of UK bird species and conservation priorities
• Practical experience in ornithological or ecological field surveys
• Project management skills, including budgeting, planning and client liaison
• Understanding of ornithological survey and assessment requirements for developments in England and Wales
• Experience mentoring or line-managing junior staff
• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to work outdoors year-round, including in challenging weather
• Flexibility to travel across the UK, including occasional overnight stays
• Ability to work collaboratively within a small, supportive team

Desirable

• Experience preparing submissions for the development management process
• Data management and GIS skills
• Modelling and analytical experience (e.g., collision risk modelling)
• 4x4 driving skills

Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter via the application link.

The organisation is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. A diverse workforce is valued and supported across all areas of the business.