Senior Ornithologist

If you're an experienced ornithologist looking for a role that offers genuine variety, meaningful projects and the chance to shape work from survey through to delivery, this could be exactly what you're looking for. This isn't a role where you'll spend every week walking the same stretch of road or surveying another standard infrastructure site. Instead, you'll be involved in an exciting mix of renewable energy and residential developments, working on projects that make a real impact across the UK.

As Senior Ornithologist, you'll lead bird surveys, provide technical expertise and play a key role in delivering a diverse portfolio of projects. You'll work closely with ecologists, project managers and clients, ensuring high-quality survey work and practical ecological solutions. This is a role for someone who enjoys being out in the field as much as providing technical input. Around 60-70% of your time will be site-based, with the remainder spent on reporting, project management and supporting colleagues. The role will involve regular travel across Yorkshire and further afield, with occasional overnight stays depending on project requirements.

What will you be doing?

• Leading ornithological surveys across a broad range of projects.
• Managing survey programmes and ensuring technical excellence.
• Supporting and mentoring ecologists within the team.
• Producing high-quality technical reports and impact assessments.
• Working directly with clients and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Contributing to major Solar DCO projects alongside residential and renewable developments.
• Helping deliver projects from initial surveys through to planning and construction support.

What are we looking for?

You'll already be operating as a Senior Ornithologist or be an experienced Ecologist with strong ornithology expertise ready to step into a more senior position. You'll ideally have:

• Extensive ornithological survey experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK bird legislation and best practice guidance.
• Experience producing technical reports.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.
• A full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to travel and stay away from home when required.

Why join?

What makes this opportunity different is the diversity. You'll work across renewable energy, residential and nationally significant infrastructure projects rather than becoming pigeonholed into one project type. You'll have the opportunity to work on high-profile Solar DCO developments alongside a varied portfolio of ecological work, giving you exposure to some of the UK's most interesting environmental projects. If you enjoy combining technical excellence with practical fieldwork and want a role where every project brings something different, we'd love to hear from you.

Interested? Get in touch for a confidential conversation to find out more about the business, the team and where this opportunity could take your career.

What's Next?

For an informal discussion, call me, Simon on 01780480530 and we can talk through the role, team and opportunity in more detail. Don't worry if your CV isn't fully up to date, just send what you have, and we'll take it from there.

What happens after I apply?

You'll be contacted by one of our sector specialists who'll talk through your background, interests, and goals. We'll make sure the role is right for you and support you through each stage of the process.

Will someone guide me through the interview process?

Yes. Your consultant will brief you fully before interviews, provide insight into the company culture, and help you prepare so you can feel confident and well-informed.