Senior Ecologist (Ornithology)

ZipRecruiter; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist specializing in ornithology to lead bird survey work and mentor junior ecologists. This role offers a flexible, supportive environment with opportunities to influence high-profile projects across the UK.

Benefits

20 days of CPD annually

Paid professional memberships

Generous holiday allowance (25+ days + bank holidays)

Flexible hours with TOIL

5% Company pension

Qualifications

• 6+ years of ecological consultancy experience with a strong background in ornithology.
• Experience in authoring ornithological impact assessments within EIAs and HRAs.

Responsibilities

• Lead bird-focused ecological assessments for planning and development projects.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver ornithological surveys.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to team development.

Skills

Bird Identification

Ecological Consultancy

Team Leadership

Job description

Job Description

Senior Ecologist - Ornithology
Location: Flexible (Scotland-based) | Hybrid Working Available
Salary: £36,000 - £48,000 + Benefits

Are you an experienced ornithologist looking to advance your career in a consultancy that values impact over box-ticking? Our client is an independent environmental consultancy committed to delivering practical, science-based solutions that support responsible development. They are expanding their ecology team and seeking a Senior Ecologist with a focus on ornithology to lead bird survey work, mentor junior ecologists, and contribute to high-profile projects across the UK.

About the Role:

• Lead bird-focused ecological assessments for planning and development projects, influencing project design and policy decisions.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver ornithological surveys.
• Author technical reports, HRA/AA documents, and EcIA chapters.
• Engage with statutory bodies and key stakeholders.
• Support tenders and contribute to client proposals.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to team development.

What You'll Bring:

• 6+ years of ecological consultancy experience with a strong background in ornithology.
• Excellent bird identification skills and experience with various survey types (breeding bird, vantage point, wintering bird surveys).
• Experience in authoring ornithological impact assessments within EIAs and HRAs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for fieldwork.

Why Join Us?

• Supportive, flexible environment where your work makes a difference.
• Benefits include:
• 20 days of CPD annually
• Paid professional memberships
• Generous holiday allowance (25+ days + bank holidays)
• Flexible hours with TOIL
• 5% Company pension
• Hybrid working and a positive, people-first culture

If you're seeking a role that combines fieldwork, leadership, and strategic influence—where your voice shapes projects and the team's future—please get in touch.