Ornithologist

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

TOIL

CIEEM training

Mentorship

Modern office

Field equipment

Diverse projects

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd in Manchester is seeking an ornithologist to join our ecology team. The role combines field and office work across renewable energy, infrastructure and conservation projects, with surveys and data analysis forming core duties.

The successful candidate will work on breeding and wintering bird surveys, habitat assessments, and contribute to reports, while developing professional accreditation and mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Experience in ornithology and bird surveys
• Strong field experience and willingness to travel across the UK
• Interest in conservation and development projects

Responsibilities

• Conduct breeding and wintering bird surveys
• Perform vantage point and flight surveys
• Carry out Schedule 1 and Red/Amber bird surveys
• Assess habitats and advise on mitigations
• Analyze data and contribute to reports
• Support senior ecologists within a multidisciplinary team
• Mentor junior staff occasionally
• Contribute to research and best-practice development

Skills

Ornithology

Field surveys

Data analysis

Education

Degree in Ecology/Ornithology

Tools

GIS

Field equipment

Job description

A leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy is seeking a motivated and skilled ornithologist to join its expanding ecology team in Manchester. 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 typically include:

• 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

The successful candidate will undertake a broad range of ornithological work, including:

• 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.