Ecological Clerk Of Works (Ornithology)

Ecological Clerk of Works (Ornithology)

Here at SES, part of the RSK Group, we are looking for Ecological Clerk of Works (Ornithology) who will provide specialist ornithological advice and on-site ecological supervision during construction, vegetation clearance and other potentially disturbing activities.

You will focus on undertaking nesting bird checks, identifying birds by sight and sound, assessing the potential effects of works on breeding, passage and wintering birds, and ensuring that project activities are carried out in accordance with approved ecological documentation, planning conditions, licences where applicable, and relevant wildlife legislation.

Main Responsibilities

• Undertake pre-works nesting bird checks of vegetation, buildings, structures, ground habitats and other suitable nesting features.
• Identify bird species accurately by sight, call, song, behaviour, flight pattern and field signs.
• Assess whether birds are actively nesting and determine the likely location, status and sensitivity of nests.
• Recognise breeding behaviour, including territorial activity, nest building, incubation, feeding of young, alarm calling and recently fledged young.
• Recognise passage and wintering behaviours of birds utilising the site and knowledge of nearby designated sites and designated species.
• Establish appropriate exclusion or protection zones around active nests, based on species, site conditions, proposed works and anticipated disturbance.
• Monitor active nests and protection zones to determine whether mitigation remains appropriate and effective.
• Advise when works may proceed, when additional controls are required, or when activities must be delayed or stopped.
• Identify situations requiring escalation to the Project Ecologist, Ecology Manager or other relevant specialist.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: A degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related biological discipline.
• Bird Identification: Advanced fieldcraft skills with strong knowledge of local and protected bird species.
• Experience: Prior ecological consultancy or construction-phase ECoW experience with an understanding of wildlife laws.
• Licensing & Logistics: Full UK driving licence and professional membership (such as CIEEM)

Personal Attributes

• Hard working and dedicated
• Passionate about Ecology and the Environment
• Team Player with the ability to work well on your own.
• Great communication skills.

Further Information

This is a fixed term role across the 2026 season

Competitive Salary (depending On Experience And Qualifications)

RSK is an inclusive employer.

#RSKGroup #SES #Ecology #Ornithology #Consultancy #Surveys

About Us

We are a multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in ecology, habitat management, arboriculture, and landscape design, based in Essex, UK. Since our company’s founding, we have grown to become a leading UK provider of specialist ecological, arboricultural and landscape design consulting services. We are known for devising sustainable, pragmatic, and client-focused solutions. Our diverse portfolio includes clients in the fields of infrastructure, development, conservation charities and individual bespoke projects. Our business is continuing to expand into new markets, and we are forming new teams to meet future challenges. SES has a team of 52 qualified ecologists, landscape architects, arboriculturists and coordination and support staff. Currently, we’re working with Barratt Homes and the RSPB on a large residential housing development, Kingsbrook, a case study in the biodiversity net gain best practice principles for development. Our ecological work includes due diligence reporting, land appraisals, habitat design and creation, protected species surveys and ecological impact assessments. Landscape design and planning services teams specialise in strategic projects, combining an innovative and context-led approach to design. SES is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then. At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees. Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. We're committed to preserving RSK's people-first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company. By providing workplace adjustments, we make it easier for people to confidently explore and pursue our career opportunities and recognise that flexibility is key to fostering a dynamic and thriving workplace. Many of our office-based positions benefit from a flexible working arrangement, allowing our team members to achieve a balance between professional and personal commitments. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities. If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?