Ornithology - Expression of Interest

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Leeds; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland seeks an experienced ornithologist to lead surveys across decarbonisation projects, including wind and energy infrastructure schemes. You will oversee planning, delivery and reporting for breeding and wintering bird surveys, with mentoring duties for the team.

The role involves client liaison, tender preparation and contributing to EIAs, HRAs and licence applications while working within a diverse Nature Services team focused on energy transition initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience in carrying out and/or managing breeding and wintering bird surveys across various habitat types.
• Experience in report writing, with level of experience dependent on seniority.
• Ability to work well as part of a team of Nature Services professionals.
• Good working knowledge of relevant wildlife legislation pertaining to ornithology.

Responsibilities

• Providing technical advice, planning and overseeing ornithology surveys across a diverse range of schemes, most linked to decarbonisation and the energy transition.
• Acting as ornithology lead on schemes ranging from onshore windfarm projects to linear schemes such as hydrogen pipelines and energy infrastructure upgrades.
• Overseeing surveys including generic and species‑specific breeding bird surveys, wintering bird surveys, vantage point surveys and intertidal bird surveys.
• Preparing tenders for a range of ornithology schemes relating to our diverse portfolio.
• Contributing to a range of ornithology deliverables including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Biodiversity chapters of EIAs, Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and Schedule 1 licence applications.
• Client liaison and project management.
• Providing mentoring and training to the wider ornithology team.

Skills

Ornithology

Survey management

Report writing

Wildlife legislation

Mentoring

Job description

Job Description

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

A Little More About Your Role…

The Nature Services team at WSP is a large, friendly and diverse team which includes a specialised group of over 30 ornithologists working on a broad range of interesting and challenging projects across the UK. The majority of these projects align with our Future Ready ethos and focus on facilitating the energy transition with projects from wind farm schemes to infrastructure upgrades.

The size of the team and diversity of projects allows us to tailor roles to the right individuals based on experience, location and travel preferences.

If you have a desire to grow and develop your career as an ornithologist, the WSP Nature Services team is the place to do it.

Your New Role What’s Involved?

• Providing technical advice, planning and overseeing ornithology surveys across a diverse range of schemes, most of which are linked to decarbonisation and the energy transition.
• Acting as ornithology lead on schemes ranging from onshore windfarm projects to linear schemes such as hydrogen pipelines and energy infrastructure upgrades.
• Overseeing surveys including generic and species‑specific breeding bird surveys, wintering bird surveys, vantage point surveys and intertidal bird surveys.
• Preparing tenders for a range of ornithology schemes relating to our diverse portfolio.
• Contributing to a range of ornithology deliverables including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Biodiversity chapters of EIAs, Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and Schedule 1 licence applications.
• Client liaison and project management.
• Providing mentoring and training to the wider ornithology team.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• Experience in carrying out and/or managing breeding and wintering bird surveys across various habitat types.
• Experience in report writing, with level of experience dependent on seniority.
• Ability to work well as part of a team of Nature Services professionals.
• Good working knowledge of relevant wildlife legislation pertaining to ornithology.

Additional Information

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

EEO Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.