Principal Ornithologist

Spin.Works; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking environmental consultancy as a Principal Ornithologist, where you'll lead impactful projects focused on biodiversity and habitat restoration. This role offers the chance to shape survey strategies, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements in a supportive team environment. If you're passionate about ecological consulting and eager to make a difference, this is your opportunity to thrive in a strategic role that promotes sustainability and career progression.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Flexible/hybrid working

Bonus scheme

Strong career progression

Qualifications

• Proven consultancy experience with ornithological focus.
• Strong knowledge of UK/EU wildlife legislation and policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead bird survey design, assessments, and reporting.
• Provide technical direction and mentor junior ecologists.
• Manage budgets and project delivery timelines.

Skills

Ornithological consultancy experience

Knowledge of UK/EU wildlife legislation

Survey design and technical reporting

Project management skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Professional membership (e.g. CIEEM)

Job description

Principal Ornithologist
Location: Edinburgh, Inverness or Fully Remote
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 + Bonus
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits: 33 days annual leave, flexible/hybrid working, bonus scheme, strong career progression

Are you a skilled Ornithologist passionate about biodiversity and sustainable development? This is a great opportunity to join a growing, forward-thinking environmental consultancy in a strategic, Principal-level role.

The Role

You'll lead ornithological work across a range of UK projects, focusing on habitat restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and nature-based solutions. You'll shape survey strategies, interpret data, guide junior staff, and collaborate across disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead bird survey design, assessments (EIA, HRA), and reporting

• Provide technical direction and mentor junior ecologists

• Support nature-based project design and biodiversity planning

• Work closely with clients and stakeholders

• Manage budgets and project delivery timelines

About You

• Proven consultancy experience with ornithological focus

• Strong knowledge of UK/EU wildlife legislation and policy

• Confident in leading surveys and technical reporting

• Degree in Ecology or related field + professional membership (e.g. CIEEM)

• Excellent communication and project management skills

What's on Offer

• £50,000 - £55,000 salary + bonus

• 33 days holiday (inc. public holidays)

• Enhanced maternity leave

• Flexible working - office, home, or hybrid

• Supportive team and real career progression

• Work on impactful, sustainability-driven projects

Ready to shape the future of ecological consulting? Get in touch to learn more.