At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ornithological services for impactful low carbon projects and mentor junior team members.
- Company: Respected environmental consultancy focused on the net-zero economy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a people-first business that values your ideas and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of ornithology in a collaborative, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in ornithology, EIA, and proven people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
A well-established, highly respected environmental consultancy that has spent over 15 years at the heart of the UK's net-zero economy. The person will have much more visibility and impact than they would at a larger consultancy. Ornithology is a key part of the renewables and overhead line work, so this hire really matters.
The role has genuine scope to help lead and develop the ornithology community of practice. Influence ornithology delivery across the wider business, not just one office. Work closely with GIS/modelling teams and develop innovative modelling approaches. The work involves challenging sites and sensitive species, which suits someone who enjoys complex technical delivery.
There’s scope to tailor the role around the person’s strengths, especially if they bring business development or broader business leadership. Part-time candidates would be considered.
With a reputation for expert, fuss-free advice and a genuinely collaborative culture, they support developers and infrastructure clients across the low carbon sector - from renewable energy to major nature-based and biodiversity-led projects. They are known in the market as a people-first business: one that invests seriously in developing its staff, encourages innovation from every level, and backs it up with real career progression.
This is a senior, leadership-level opportunity to join a highly regarded Ecology team as Principal Ornithologist, working closely with the organisation's Senior Leadership Team. You’ll take a lead role in shaping and delivering ornithological services across a portfolio of medium and large-scale projects central to the low carbon economy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct and manage a range of medium and large projects delivering high-quality Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Habitat Regulations Appraisal (HRA) services.
- Play an active role in shaping the ornithology service offering, bringing new ideas to life as practical client solutions.
- Build and maintain solid stakeholder relationships with bodies.
- Own and grow key client relationships.
- Work alongside a highly regarded in-house GIS team to strengthen expertise in collision risk modelling, spatial modelling, displacement analysis, and population viability analysis.
- Support with resource and business planning, or learn if stepping up.
- Mentor and advise junior team members - deputising where required.
- Act as a trusted technical authority, championing best practice both internally and with external partners.
About You:
- Experience in ornithology/ecological consultancy.
- Onshore renewables or wind farm EIA.
- Proven people management and staff development experience.
- Comfortable leading both technically and commercially; business development capability would be a plus.
- Able to work across complex/problem sites and collaborate with GIS/modelling teams.
- Working knowledge of UK legislation and guidance relevant to ornithological assessment.
- Confident communicator, able to flex between strategic and highly technical conversations with clients and stakeholders.
- A genuinely collaborative, flexible approach to team working, paired with natural curiosity and an appetite to innovate.
- Sound understanding of health & safety practice and risk assessment relevant to ecological fieldwork.
What’s on Offer:
- Competitive salary, benchmarked to experience and market rate.
- Annual discretionary performance bonus (paid out in each of the last three years).
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and a pension scheme.
- Flexible benefits including an employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme, and tax-free childcare.
- Genuine hybrid/flexible working to support work-life balance.
- A clear, supported path for career progression, underpinned by a buddying and mentoring culture.
- The opportunity to lead on high-profile, cutting-edge projects shaping the UK’s low carbon future.
Next Steps:
APPLY NOW or reach out to Jim Merryfield at CleanTech Talent. Feel as though you’re operating at a senior level but don’t hit all the requirements? We encourage you to apply as we have flexibility based on the individual experience.
Principal Ornithologist in Wales employer: CleanTech Talent
Join a well-established environmental consultancy in North Wales, Inverness, or Edinburgh, where your expertise as a Principal Ornithologist will have a significant impact on the UK's net-zero economy. With a collaborative culture that prioritises employee growth and innovation, you'll enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to lead high-profile projects while shaping the future of ornithological services. This is a unique chance to work in a supportive environment that values your ideas and fosters genuine career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ornithologist in Wales
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like CleanTech Talent.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like CleanTech Talent and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ornithologist in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at CleanTech Talent.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. CleanTech Talent will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Ornithologist at CleanTech Talent. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at CleanTech Talent
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at CleanTech Talent, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show CleanTech Talent that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
