Consultant Ornithologist

APEM; Chester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consultancy is seeking an Ornithology Consultant to analyze avian behavior data and provide ecological assessments. The role requires a background in ecology or related fields, familiarity with UK birds, and strong data handling skills. The position offers opportunities for professional growth, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Access to mental health first aiders

Comprehensive income protection

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Familiarity with UK/Ireland birds and their ecology.
• 1-2 years relevant work experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of R and statistical analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret large datasets.
• Contribute to Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA).
• Involve in multidisciplinary teamwork.

Skills

Data handling

Ornithology knowledge

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Education

Degree in ecology, biology, or environmental sciences

Tools

GIS software (QGIS or ArcGIS)

Job description

About The Role

Are you passionate about birds and their behaviour across terrestrial, intertidal, and offshore environments? Do you enjoy working with data—turning raw observations into meaningful insights and solutions? Looking for a consultancy role where your ornithology expertise contributes directly to major infrastructure and renewable energy projects?

We’re looking for an Ornithology Consultant to join our growing Ornithology team at APEM. You’ll support the delivery of high-quality ornithological advice and assessments, working with cutting-edge science and modelling techniques to help clients across the UK, Ireland, Europe, and further afield.

In this role, you’ll analyse and interpret large datasets, apply statistical modelling, and contribute to baseline studies, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA). You’ll also have opportunities to get involved in fieldwork, client liaison, and tender preparation, building both your technical expertise and your consultancy skills.

You’ll collaborate closely with senior team members and colleagues across the wider APEM Group, including specialists in fisheries, marine mammals, benthic ecology, and consenting—making this a great role for someone who thrives on multidisciplinary teamwork.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need

• A degree in a relevant subject (e.g. ecology, biology, environmental sciences)


• Familiarity with UK / Irish birds, their identification, and behavioural ecology


• Technical confidence and the ability to discuss ornithological issues knowledgeably


• Strong data handling, reporting, and communication skills


• Attention to detail and a passion for ornithology


• Proficiency in Excel and confidence managing datasets

Even better if you have

• 1–2 years’ relevant work experience


• Experience with GIS software (QGIS or ArcGIS)


• Knowledge of R and statistical analysis


• Understanding of ornithology survey methods and impact assessments


• A full UK driving licence

At APEM, you’ll join a supportive consultancy that values quality, collaboration, and innovation. We’ll give you the opportunity to deepen your ornithological expertise, learn advanced modelling techniques, and contribute to projects that shape the future of renewable energy and infrastructure. This is your chance to grow your career in ornithology while working on nationally and internationally significant projects alongside some of the UK’s leading specialists.

You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, many of our employees have worked on projects that have been of personal interest to them. We match this with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. We also offer benefits to look after you, from private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.

Next steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need some basic information and your CV, we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applications.

About Us

The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy, we work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally. Our successful pioneering work has enabled us to grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working towards the protection of the environment across the globe.