Senior Ornithologist - Lead Decarbonization Bird Surveys

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK is seeking an experienced ornithologist to join the Nature Services team. You will provide technical advice, plan surveys across decarbonisation projects, and act as ornithology lead on windfarm, hydrogen pipeline, and energy infrastructure schemes.

You will oversee breeding and wintering bird surveys, prepare tenders and EIAs, liaise with clients, manage projects, and mentor the wider team to support growth across the UK's energy transition.

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 wildlife legislation pertaining to ornithology.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Ornithology surveys

Report writing

Team collaboration

Wildlife legislation knowledge

Job description

WSP in the UK is seeking an experienced ornithologist to join the Nature Services team. You will provide technical advice, plan surveys across decarbonisation projects, and act as ornithology lead on windfarm, hydrogen pipeline, and energy infrastructure schemes.

You will oversee breeding and wintering bird surveys, prepare tenders and EIAs, liaise with clients, manage projects, and mentor the wider team to support growth across the UK's energy transition.