Senior Ornithologist

SLR CONSULTING; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in sustainability is seeking an experienced Ornithologist to manage projects across a range of renewable energy initiatives in Scotland. The role includes project management, client liaison, and delivering a variety of ornithological surveys. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree, strong bird identification skills, and a proactive work approach. Flexible work arrangements and professional development opportunities are offered, alongside a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working hours

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• A degree in Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent is mandatory. MSc desirable.
• Experience in a range of ornithology survey techniques.
• Knowledge of ornithological sensitivities in relation to onshore renewables.

Responsibilities

• Project management for ornithological projects.
• Client and stakeholder liaison.
• Managing the delivery of ornithology surveys.

Skills

Strong bird identification skills

Experience in ornithological survey techniques

Project management skills

Strong Word and Excel skills

Understanding of scientific data collection

Flexible and proactive approach

Education

Degree in Ecology or Biological Science

MSc in relevant field (desirable)

Tools

GIS

Job description

About the role

SLR has a great opportunity for an experienced Ornithologist to join its busy established team to help successfully deliver projects across our growing portfolio of renewable energy projects across Scotland.

Duties will be varied but will include:

• Project management, coordination and delivery of ornithological projects.
• Client, landowner and stakeholder liaison.
• Preparing and supporting tender submissions.
• Managing the delivery of various types of ornithology surveys (following a range of survey methodologies and techniques).
• Data analysis and presentation, desk-based study and collating relevant data.
• Preparation of various types of ornithological reports.
• Supporting the wider UK ecology team in delivering of tenders, technical advice to clients and colleagues, other business as required.

The role will be based with either the Glasgow or Newcastle based onshore ornithology teams, however there is flexibility around location and there is the potential for hybrid working.

Whilst there may be some survey work involved in the role, the core of the role is expected to be desk based and client facing. We are keen to consider candidates for both full-time and part-time working and our family friendly and flexible working policies offer great scope to vary hours to maximise work life balance.

About you

We are open to offering this role at a range of experience/seniority. Depending on your experience level, there would be opportunities to gain and develop experience within the onshore ornithology team across a range of renewables and large scale infrastructure projects. As a part of our specialist ornithology services team, you will receive support from highly experienced professionals to develop your skills and meet your career aspirations.

• A degree in Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent (MSc desirable) or equivalent professional experience. Membership of CIEEM (or equivalent) would be beneficial.
• An interest/knowledge of ornithology demonstrated by strong bird identification skills and experience in a range of ornithology survey techniques (e.g. perspective points, moorland breeding birds, raptors).
• Strong theoretical knowledge of ornithological sensitivities in relation to onshore renewables. Experience in Environmental Impact Assessments and/or Habitats Regulations Appraisals would be beneficial.
• Experience of project management and managing a diverse workload.
• A flexible and proactive approach to work.
• An understanding of scientific data collection methods and an aptitude for accurate and clear recording and storage of data.
• Strong Word and Excel skills. Experience in GIS would be beneficial.
• The ability to produce (and potentially review) high quality reports.
• Health and Safety experience around risk assessments would be beneficial.
• If you are interested, and hold a full UK driving licence, we would love to hear from you.

About us

SLR are global leaders in Sustainability Solutions, helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 4,000 employees across 6 regions in over 125 countries. Our ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.

Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days' annual leave, with additional flexible bank holidays, we offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, with family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and home life.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under-represented at SLR, such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.

Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.