Ornithologist

Penguin Recruitment; Derby; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy is seeking a skilled ornithologist to join its ecology team in Derby. The ideal candidate will have strong field experience and a passion for avian ecology, contributing to diverse conservation and development projects. Responsibilities include bird surveys, habitat assessments, and data analysis. The role offers competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative team.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Flexible working arrangements

Structured training pathways

Access to experienced mentors

High-quality field equipment

Collaborative team culture

Qualifications

• Strong field experience in bird surveys and ecological assessments.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel for survey work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct breeding and wintering bird surveys.
• Perform habitat assessments and contribute to mitigation strategies.
• Support senior ecologists with data analysis and reporting.

Skills

Field experience in avian ecology

Data analysis and interpretation

Habitat assessment

Job description

A leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy is seeking a motivated and skilled ornithologist to join its expanding ecology team in Lockington. This role is ideal for someone with strong field experience, a passion for avian ecology, and a desire to contribute to a wide variety of conservation and development projects. The role includes both field-based and office-based work, with a varied workload across sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, commercial development, and conservation management. Seasonal flexibility and a willingness to travel for survey work are essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Flexible working arrangements and TOIL for survey hours
• Structured training pathways and support toward professional accreditation (e.g., CIEEM)
• Access to experienced mentors and ongoing CPD opportunities
• Modern office facilities and high-quality field equipment
• Opportunities to work on high-profile and diverse ecological projects across the UK
• A friendly, collaborative team culture with regular knowledge-sharing and skills development

Responsibilities

• Breeding and wintering bird surveys
• Vantage point and flight activity surveys
• Targeted species surveys for Schedule 1 and Red/Amber list birds
• Habitat assessments and input into ecological mitigation strategies
• Data analysis, interpretation, and contribution to technical reports
• Supporting senior ecologists and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
• Occasional mentoring of junior staff and assisting with internal training
• Opportunities to contribute to research, innovation, and best-practice development within the team

This is an excellent opportunity for an ornithologist looking to grow their skills, contribute to meaningful ecological outcomes, and play a valued role within a respected consultancy. Interested in this opportunity? Please apply to this advert. If you'd like to hear more about the role, please contact Ashleigh Garner from Penguin Recruitment