Principal Ornithologist

Atmosconsulting; City of Edinburgh, Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate ornithologist to join their Ecology team at a leadership level. This exciting role offers the chance to lead high-quality environmental projects and collaborate with various stakeholders to drive sustainable development initiatives. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee growth, this position is ideal for someone eager to innovate and make a positive impact in the low-carbon economy. Join a supportive environment where your contributions will help shape the future of ecological consultancy and create meaningful change in the world.

Benefits

25 Days Annual Leave

Pension Scheme

Annual Discretionary Bonus

Flexible Benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Career Progression Opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in ornithology and environmental consultancy.
• Strong understanding of UK legislation and guidance on ecology.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage medium to large projects for environmental assessments.
• Collaborate with GIS team on advanced modelling techniques.

Skills

Ornithology

Environmental Impact Assessment

Stakeholder Management

GIS Techniques

Health and Safety Awareness

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

IT Skills (MS Word, Excel)

Education

Degree in Ecology or Related Subject

Job description

Are you an established ornithologist with a minimum of 5 years’ experience, looking to make a positive career move in an inspiring and supportive place to work?

Atmos Consulting has a rare opportunity to join our highly respected and talented Ecology team at a leadership level. This is a senior level position, and you will play a pivotal role in developing the team and the services we offer our clients.

About this Role

You will work closely with the Atmos Leadership Team and the Ornithology Technical Director to lead the team in the delivery of high-quality technical advice across a variety of critical projects in the low carbon economy.

Working in collaboration with Ecology colleagues and other environmental disciplines, you will be given the opportunity to innovate and enhance our service delivery in exciting areas, including habitat restoration, positive biodiversity outcomes and nature-based solutions as well shaping how we collect and analyse our data.

The role offers fully flexible, or hybrid home/office working arrangements to help balance work and family/home life. As such, you can choose to be based at one of three locations, Edinburgh, Inverness or Mold (North Wales).

In this role you should expect to:

• Direct/manage a range of medium and large projects to deliver high-quality Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitat Regulations Appraisal services.
• Work closely with colleagues in shaping the Atmos service offering, building new ideas into useful client services.
• Build and shape stakeholder relationships with organisations such as NatureScot, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and RSPB.
• Maintain relationships with clients.
• In collaboration with our highly respected GIS team, build on our expertise and reputation in modelling techniques, including collision risk modelling, spatial modelling, displacement analysis and population viability analysis.
• Support the Technical Director in resource and business planning, mentoring and advising junior staff and deputise as appropriate.
  Act as a ‘go to’ for technical advice, promoting best practice in ecological impact assessment and conservation, both internally and externally.

Who are we looking for?

This is a key position in the team, and you will have a lead voice in the delivery of the ornithological services that Atmos provides.
You would be a great fit for this role if you have:

• A passion for and commitment to sustainable development.
• A collaborative and supportive attitude to team working, with a flexible and proactive approach to work.
• Natural curiosity, a willingness to learn and share knowledge, with an appetite to explore how we can innovate in our business.
• A firm understanding of the relevant framework of legislation and guidance within the UK.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate on technical issues both strategically and in detail when required.
• A degree in ecology or a related subject, or the ability to demonstrate an equivalent level of experience.
• Health and Safety awareness, especially safe working practices and risk assessment related to ecology fieldwork.
• IT skills including the use of MS Word and Excel.
• Full current driving licence.

What we offer

For over 15 years Atmos Consulting has been at the heart of the net-zero economy, supporting our clients to realise their project goals. Our vision is to be our clients' sought-after, trusted environmental advisor, providing expert, fuss-free solutions, offering a one-team approach and an inspiring, people-centric place to work.

Every day our team comes to work knowing they are working for an organisation committed to growing and developing its people - a business that it is passionate about making a real difference to sustainable development, protecting the environment and enhancing the world we live in.

In addition to rewarding you with a competitive salary and other standard benefits, including 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and pension scheme, Atmos offers:

• An annual discretionary company performance bonus scheme; paid out in each of the last two years.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including employee assistance programme, cycle to work & tax-free childcare scheme.
• A modern, friendly and flexible work environment with real career progression opportunities, supported by our buddying and mentoring approach.
• A fully supportive environment where you will be actively encouraged to be innovative and collaborative.
• An opportunity to work and lead on a wide variety of cutting-edge projects, addressing the big environmental challenges in the low-carbon economy and shaping the built environment for generations to come.
• Active support to expand your horizons and grow you career.