At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ornithological assessments and manage projects for renewable energy developments.
- Company: Leading environmental consultancy with a focus on marine ornithology.
- Benefits: 25 days leave, private healthcare, pension contributions, and annual bonuses.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in renewable energy while working on exciting international projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in ornithological assessments and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Marine Ornithologist to join its established Marine Ornithology team. This is a key role supporting the delivery of high‑quality ornithological assessments, habitat compensation plans, and strategic advice for major renewable energy developments.
The position is based in Glasgow on a hybrid basis, with flexibility built around team and project needs. While the core workload focuses on Scottish offshore wind and wider Scottish renewables, there are opportunities to contribute to international projects for candidates with the right expertise.
The Role
As a Principal Marine Ornithologist, you will play a central role in delivering technical, analytical, and advisory work across a range of offshore wind and marine development projects. Responsibilities include:
- Leading the preparation of ornithological assessments, including EIAs and HRAs
- Developing and delivering habitat compensation and monitoring plans
- Providing technical leadership on seabird ecology and offshore ornithology
- Managing projects, budgets, timelines, and client relationships
- Supporting tender submissions and business development activities
- Undertaking and overseeing seabird fieldwork and survey programmes
- Contributing to strategic research and guidance within the marine ornithology discipline
You will be joining a UK‑wide ecology function of around 200 ecologists, including a dedicated ECoW team, with strong collaboration across disciplines.
About You
We are keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate:
- Strong experience in ornithological impact assessment and environmental planning
- Knowledge of seabird ecology, offshore survey methods, and designated site assessments
- Experience with ESAS, colony counts, or digital aerial survey data
- Excellent project management and client‑facing skills
- Ability to produce high‑quality technical reports and deliver work to deadline
- Higher degree in ecology or a related field, or equivalent experience
Desirable skills include:
- Collision risk modelling
- Spatial modelling
- Displacement analysis
- PVA
- Experience with offshore wind assessments
Benefits
This organisation offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:
- 25 days annual leave + statutory holidays
- Option to buy/sell up to 5 days
- 5% employer pension contribution (Scottish Widows)
- BUPA private healthcare (extendable to family at cost)
- 4x death in service
- Business‑class travel insurance
- Permanent health insurance (after 13 weeks continuous illness)
- Annual bonus (typically 2–7%, paid April/May)
- Professional fees covered
- Agile working hours (core hours 10:00–16:00)
- Hybrid working, tailored to individual and team needs
Career Development
Progression is structured and transparent:
- Promotion windows in April and October
- Self‑submission process: employees put themselves forward when ready, supported by evidence
- Dedicated Learning & Development team to help identify and fill skills gaps
- Annual development meeting with your manager to plan training and progression
Ornithologist in Paisley employer: Eden Scott
Contact Detail:
Eden Scott Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ornithologist in Paisley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the marine ornithology field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be when it comes to landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and recent projects in offshore wind. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your past work, including reports and assessments you've led. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Ornithologist in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Marine Ornithologist. Highlight your experience in ornithological assessments and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about marine ornithology and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and make sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially those related to seabird ecology and offshore survey methods. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise in these areas, so be specific about your experience!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Scott
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of seabird ecology and offshore survey methods. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving ornithological assessments or habitat compensation plans. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since this role involves managing projects, budgets, and client relationships, prepare examples that highlight your project management experience. Talk about how you’ve successfully led teams or managed timelines in previous roles, and be ready to discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to collision risk modelling, spatial modelling, or displacement analysis. Brush up on these topics and think of real-world applications or case studies you can reference. This will demonstrate your depth of knowledge and ability to apply it in practice.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the company’s approach to professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.