Ornithologist

About FPCR Established in 1957, FPCR is one of the UK's leading environment and design consultancies. Our multidisciplinary teams work across landscape architecture, ecology, urban design, masterplanning, architecture and arboriculture, delivering award-winning projects throughout the UK. As an employee-owned business, we are committed to creating an engaging, supportive and rewarding workplace where people can develop long-term careers.

Why join FPCR? Our team members can develop their career in a supportive environment, working on nationally significant and award-winning projects and collaborating with experts across multiple disciplines. Benefits include:

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Compressed working week
• Employee Ownership Trust benefits
• Discretionary annual tax-free bonus
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Health cash plan
• Pension contributions
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Professional membership support
• Ongoing CPD and training opportunities

For full details of our benefits, please see our Benefits Brochure.

About the Role We are looking to recruit Ornithologists to sit within our existing team of ecological consultants at our offices around the country. Are you an Ornithologist looking for the next step up in your career? Do you want to join an established consultancy practice who pride themselves in offering a great place to work? If so, we would love to hear from you. You will play a pivotal role in collaborating with our talented team of ecologists, landscape architects, and environmental planners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisting with and leading on ornithology surveys, following a range of survey methodologies and techniques.
• Keeping meticulous field notes and plans in accordance with guidelines and best practice, and storing data effectively.
• Data analysis and presentation, desk-based study collating relevant available data and drafting technical reports.

Additional responsibilities depending on entry level and your interest, would include:

• Undertaking Ecological Impact Assessments on sensitive species/sites/populations and completing Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Supporting the completion of other ecological survey types as appropriate to your skill set and career goals e.g. water vole and otter, badger, bats, habitats etc.
• Providing advice on ecological and ornithological matters to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Mentoring and supporting staff with an interest in Ornithology, sharing your knowledge and expertise to foster their professional development.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

Skills and Experience:

• Professional ornithological experience in the public or private sector would be advantageous.
• Ideally a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Excellent bird identification skills and the ability to demonstrate experience in a range of ornithology surveys and techniques (e.g. vista points, breeding & wintering birds, raptors, farmland and waders).
• Experience of working and navigating safely in remote environments, across all seasons, including in inclement weather.
• Willingness to travel for work, including unsociable hours, particularly during the spring and summer months.
• Good theoretical grounding in ecology, survey guidance, environmental assessment and mitigation measures.
• Demonstrable understanding of UK wildlife legislation and the conservation status of UK bird species.
• Experienced in writing reports, ensuring high standards and good attention to detail.
• Experienced in writing or assisting with Habitat Regulation Assessments for SPA impacts would be advantageous but not essential.
• An understanding of scientific data collection methods, data analysis, and an aptitude for accurate and clear recording and storage of data.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of colleagues, in the office and away from home.
• Membership, or eligibility for membership, with a relevant professional body is desirable but not essential (e.g., CIEEM).
• Experience using GIS software would be advantageous, but not a necessity.
• A full UK driving licence and access to vehicle.

Are you interested in working for FPCR? If you're interested in joining FPCR and contributing to exciting projects across the UK, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your application and CV using the link below. If you have any questions about the role or working at FPCR, please contact our HR Manager at caitlin.monteath@fpcr.co.uk.

Deadline for Applications The deadline for applications is subject to change, depending on level of interest. If you are interested in a position with us, an early application is advised. These will be reviewed as they come in, rather than waiting for the deadline.

Equal Opportunities FPCR is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.