Ornithology Lead: Energy Infrastructure & Surveys

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

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.