Principal Marine Ornithologist in Birmingham

We are looking for a Principal Marine Ornithologist to join our team to help deliver impactful habitat compensation and monitoring plans for marine renewable energy projects, and support the delivery of ornithological assessments and guidance. Our team values robust academic skills combined with applied experience of working with developers and stakeholders. Over the last 15 years we have delivered nine PhDs, more than 40 research and guidance-based commissions, and numerous offshore wind projects.

As a UK-based consultant (from one of our offices or homeworking with regular visits to our Glasgow office), you will work as part of our marine ornithology team to successfully deliver projects and guidance that have important environmental benefits. Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparation and delivery of compensation plans for offshore wind farm projects.
• Preparation and review of Ornithological Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, and technical reports.
• Project management, coordination and delivery of offshore ornithology projects.
• Preparing and coordinating tender submissions.
• Undertaking analysis of offshore wind farm impacts on protected seabird populations.
• Assisting clients with written and oral advice, including in meetings with key stakeholders.
• Conducting ornithological field work.
• Contributing to strategic ornithology projects undertaken by the marine ornithology team.

Along with competitive salaries, staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including a company pension, excellent healthcare, travel and life insurance, and a structured career framework with regular reviews. Additional benefits include 25 days annual leave, flexible bank holidays, and flexible, agile, and hybrid working arrangements that allow staff to tailor hours around core hours.

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, helping clients achieve their sustainability goals. With over 4,000 employees across six regions in more than 125 countries, our ‘one team’ culture fosters collaboration, professional development, and a supportive environment.

We would envisage that you can demonstrate:

• Strong experience and understanding of the environmental planning system in relation to the production of ornithological impact assessments.
• Demonstrable experience and understanding of the European Birds and Habitats Directives and methods for assessments concerning European Designated sites.
• Knowledge of the ecology of European seabirds.
• Experience with ESAS and seabird colony count surveys.
• A flexible and proactive approach to work.
• Comprehensive experience of project management and managing a diverse workload.
• Ability to produce and review high‑quality reports and deliver them to clients on time and to budget.
• Good working relationships with regulators and statutory advisors.
• Education to a higher degree level in ecology or a related subject, or equivalent experience.
• Strong IT skills, including Word and Excel.

Whilst not essential, experience of the following would also be useful:

• Using key tools for impact assessments of offshore wind farms on seabird populations (collision‑risk modelling, spatial modelling, apportioning, displacement analysis, population viability analysis).
• Field survey experience.
• Checking and analysing digital aerial survey data.

We are committed to being an equal‑opportunity employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people, regardless of their background, can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals, including those from groups that are currently under‑represented at SLR such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including neurodivergent individuals. Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we guarantee an interview in line with our Disability Confident Committed status for all applicants with a disability who meet the essential requirements for the job.