At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead onshore ornithology projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: SLR, a global leader in sustainability solutions with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and career progression support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on renewable energy projects while developing your ecological expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or related field, with strong ornithological knowledge and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen in a collaborative, people‑first culture. We are seeking an experienced Associate / Principal Onshore Ornithologist to join our established Scottish Ecology team, delivering high‑profile ornithology and renewables projects. Based in Scotland, you will play a lead role in delivering avian ecology inputs to major onshore wind farms, other renewable energy schemes (including DCO‑scale projects), and linear infrastructure.
The Role
- You will lead the delivery of onshore ornithology projects from planning through to detailed assessment, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
- Project and technical leadership – managing ornithological aspects of development projects across renewables, infrastructure and land management.
- Client management and proposal support – preparing fee proposals, scopes of work, tender submissions and technical reports.
- Mentoring and coaching ornithology staff – with potential for line management depending on experience.
- Survey programme oversight – scheduling, managing and delivering complex ornithological survey work packages using in‑house and subcontractor teams.
- Technical assessment – preparing and reviewing Ornithological Assessments, Habitats Regulations Appraisals, EIA ornithology chapters and related reports.
- Cross‑disciplinary collaboration – working with planning, landscape, hydrology, noise, air quality and senior ecology colleagues across the UK and overseas.
- Business development – identifying opportunities to expand ecology and related services in Scotland.
- The role may involve short‑term travel across the UK depending on project locations.
Rewards & Benefits
- SLR’s ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.
- Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and full support toward chartership, professional qualifications and licences, we offer outstanding opportunities for long‑term career progression.
- Competitive salary with discretionary bonus.
- Company pension.
- Private medical insurance.
- Life, income, and travel insurance.
- Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle‑to‑work schemes.
- Flexible, hybrid and agile working.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays.
- Buy or sell leave options.
- Core working hours.
- Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and specialist support for mental health, stress and menopause.
About You
- A passion for avian ecology, high‑quality delivery and supporting the development of other ecological professionals.
- A degree in ecology or a related subject (or equivalent experience), with CIEEM membership desirable.
- Strong understanding of the European Birds and Habitats Directives and assessment methods for European designated sites.
- Strong knowledge of the Scottish environmental planning system and ornithological impact assessment requirements.
- Experience in ornithological survey design, data interpretation and (ideally) collision risk or territory analysis.
- Strong report writing skills, including Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Appraisals.
- Demonstrable experience in winning, managing and delivering projects in line with health and safety and financial procedures.
- Experience providing technical leadership and quality assurance on projects.
- A flexible, proactive approach to work.
- A full UK driving licence.
Culture & Inclusion
Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
Equal Opportunity Statement
SLR is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are considered on an equal basis, irrespective of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or national origin.
Associate Ornithologist employer: SLR Consulting Ltd
SLR is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive environment that prioritises professional development and work-life balance. With a strong commitment to sustainability, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health support, and opportunities for career progression within a diverse and inclusive culture, all while contributing to impactful ornithology and renewable energy projects in Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Ornithologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecology and ornithology fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work in ornithological assessments and project management. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to ornithology and project leadership. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at SLR. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of our collaborative culture!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Ornithologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate Ornithologist role. Highlight your experience in avian ecology and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for ornithology shine through! Share specific examples of your work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to avian ecology. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about what they do.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at SLR Consulting Ltd
✨Know Your Avian Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of avian ecology and the specific requirements for ornithological assessments. Familiarise yourself with the European Birds and Habitats Directives, as well as the Scottish environmental planning system. This will show that you're not just passionate about birds, but also well-versed in the regulations that govern their protection.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing ornithological projects. Highlight any instances where you've led survey programmes or collaborated with multidisciplinary teams. SLR values project leadership, so demonstrating your ability to oversee complex work packages will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to answer technical questions related to ornithological impact assessments and data interpretation. Brush up on your report writing skills, especially regarding Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Appraisals. Being able to articulate your thought process and methodologies will impress the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
SLR prides itself on a collaborative culture, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively with others in previous roles. Share examples of how you've mentored junior staff or contributed to team success. Showing that you can thrive in a 'One Team' environment will resonate well with the interviewers.
