Senior/Principal Ornithologist

Atmos Consulting Ltd; Mold; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Atmos Consulting Ltd, part of the Adler & Allan Group, is seeking a Senior Ornithologist to lead our Ecology team on complex development projects across the UK. This role combines high-level ornithological expertise with project management, client liaison and mentoring of junior ecologists.

You'll deliver surveys, reports and mitigation strategies, manage budgets and timelines, and contribute to business growth while upholding technical excellence and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in ornithological surveying and ecological consultancy.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological impact assessment.
• Demonstrated experience managing ecological projects and client relationships.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Confidence leading field surveys, site meetings and stakeholder discussions.
• Experience managing project budgets and coordinating resources.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Membership of, or progress towards membership of, CIEEM or an equivalent professional body.
• Specialist expertise in one or more ecological disciplines.
• Experience mentoring or line managing junior staff.
• Proven contribution to business development and winning work.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead the design, planning and delivery of ornithological and ecological surveys; Prepare and review high-quality technical reports; Provide specialist ornithological expertise across the business; Deliver site-based support including ECoW services; Ensure technical quality and professionalism.
• Project Management: Manage medium to large-scale ecological projects from inception to completion; Primary client contact; Coordinate internal teams and subcontractors; Monitor performance and ensure safety, schedule and budget compliance.
• Client & Business Development: Develop client relationships; Prepare tenders and fee proposals; Identify opportunities to expand work; Contribute to marketing and industry events.
• Team Development: Mentor and coach junior ecologists; Line manage up to three team members; Contribute to training and continuous improvement; Foster collaborative team culture.
• Key Responsibilities: Deliver surveys and assessments to a high professional standard; Produce clear technical reports; Manage budgets and schedules; Ensure compliance with legislation and policy; Support development of technical excellence.

Skills

Ornithology surveying

UK wildlife legislation

Ecological project management

Report writing

Client relationships

Budget & resource coordination

Team mentoring

CIEEM membership pursuit

Ecology discipline specialty

Line management

Business development

Job description

At Atmos, part of the Adler & Allan Group, we're looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Ornithologist to join our growing Ecology team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled ecological professional who combines strong ornithological expertise with project management capability and a passion for delivering high-quality environmental outcomes. As a Senior Ornithologist, you will play a key role in delivering complex projects, supporting clients, mentoring colleagues, and contributing to the continued growth of our business.

You'll work closely with clients, landowners, project teams, regulators, and internal specialists to provide trusted ecological advice across a diverse portfolio of development and environmental projects.

We welcome applications from individuals who are members of, or working towards membership of, CIEEM or an equivalent professional body.

Job Description

What You'll Be Doing

As a Senior Ornithologist, you will:

Technical Leadership

• Lead the design, planning and delivery of ornithological and ecological surveys.
• Prepare and review high-quality technical reports, including baseline assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), mitigation strategies and legal compliance documentation.
• Provide specialist ornithological expertise and act as a recognised technical resource across the business.
• Deliver site-based support, including Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) services where required.
• Ensure work is delivered to the highest standards of technical quality, accuracy and professionalism.

Project Management

• Manage medium to large-scale and technically complex ecological projects from inception through to completion.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients and key project stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal project teams and specialist sub-contractors, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule and within budget.
• Monitor project performance, manage risk and ensure compliance with company quality management and health and safety procedures.

Client & Business Development

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Support the preparation of tenders, fee proposals and business development opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and secure new work.
• Contribute to marketing initiatives, technical articles, social media content, industry events and conferences.

Team Development

• Provide mentoring, coaching and technical guidance to junior ecologists and ornithologists.
• Line manage up to three team members where required.
• Contribute to internal training programmes, work instructions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support a collaborative and positive team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver ornithological surveys, ecological assessments and advisory services to a high professional standard.
• Produce clear, accurate and well-presented technical reports and project documentation.
• Manage project budgets, schedules and resources effectively.
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental legislation, planning policy and industry guidance.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of conservation legislation and its practical application within development projects.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to develop pragmatic and commercially aware environmental solutions.
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with company procedures, professional standards and health and safety requirements.
• Support the ongoing development of technical excellence within the Ecology team.

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience in ornithological surveying and ecological consultancy.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological impact assessment.
• Demonstrated experience managing ecological projects and client relationships.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Confidence leading field surveys, site meetings and stakeholder discussions.
• Experience managing project budgets and coordinating resources.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Membership of, or progress towards membership of, CIEEM or an equivalent professional body.
• Specialist expertise in one or more ecological disciplines.
• Experience mentoring or line managing junior staff.
• Proven contribution to business development and winning work.

About You

You'll be a conscientious, reliable and solutions-focused environmental professional who takes pride in delivering excellent work. You'll enjoy working both independently and as part of a collaborative team, with the confidence to make decisions while recognising when to seek guidance from colleagues.

You'll be passionate about ecology and ornithology, enthusiastic about sharing knowledge, and committed to helping clients achieve positive environmental outcomes. Strong communication skills are essential, as you'll regularly engage with clients, project teams, regulators and stakeholders.

Most importantly, you'll bring a proactive approach, commercial awareness and a genuine commitment to technical excellence, supporting both your own development and the continued success of the wider Atmos team.

Why Join Atmos?

At Atmos, part of the Adler & Allan Group, you'll be joining a business committed to protecting the environment and creating sustainable solutions for our clients. We offer the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, develop your technical expertise, and progress your career within a supportive and growing team.