At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fieldwork and manage surveys for UK and international ornithology projects.
- Company: Join a friendly, independent ecological consultancy with diverse projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Christmas bonus, flexible hours, and generous leave.
- Other info: Be part of a small team with exciting opportunities in ecology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while working from home.
- Qualifications: Strong bird identification skills and experience with various survey methods.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 42000 € per year.
Turnstone Ecology Ltd are seeking suitably qualified and experienced full-time Ornithologists / Senior Ornithologists to join our independent ecological consultancy for UK and international projects. We are a small, friendly and professional independent ecological consultancy involved in a wide variety of development (e.g. renewables and infrastructure) and conservation projects throughout the UK and internationally.
Our team of 19 all work from home but within 30 minutes of our offices in Banbury, Derby or Shrewsbury, and much of our UK work is within an hour of these towns. For a small consultancy, our work portfolio is diverse, ranging from small scale householder developments to large international renewables and conservation projects.
We are looking for a Senior Ornithologist to lead on UK field work as well as become involved with international ornithology work. Ideally, candidates should have experience of CRM, PBR and PVA analysis. An ornithologist role would include field survey and survey management across our UK sites as well as potential involvement with international ornithology work.
Some of the benefits of working for Turnstone Ecology include:
- Annual salary (£29,500-£42,000 depending on role/experience)
- Christmas bonus
- Compressed working hours with half day Fridays all year
- Employee assistance support (external confidential support including wellness support, legal advice etc both work and private)
- Company Credit Card to cover work expenses
- Working from home allowance
- Annual leave allowance starting at 23 and up to 27 days excluding bank holidays
- Additional leave allowance at Christmas / New Year
- Being part of a small friendly team with prospects of being involved in some interesting and rewarding projects in the UK and overseas
If the candidate applies independently from recruitment agencies, there will be a self-finder's bonus.
A successful candidate will typically have:
- Excellent UK bird identification by sight and sound
- Experience of a range of survey methods (including VP) within a variety of habitats
- Full driving licence
Desirable attributes include:
- CRM, PBR and PVA analysis experience
- Experience of surveys and ID through wider Western Palearctic
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- The ability to write reports to a high standard
- Ability to work hours often outside of typical working hours and in tough outdoor conditions
- Experience of International Finance Institution standards relating to biodiversity (e.g. IFC Performance Standards and Equator Principles)
- HRA experience
- Experience in mapping software
- Experience in Phase 1 habitat survey and protected species survey
- Membership of CIEEM
The successful applicant will need to be capable of working effectively from home and, with a focus on UK work being local to offices, applicants will be expected to be within an approximate 30-minute drive from Banbury, Derby or Shrewsbury or be willing / able to move to a suitable location within a reasonable timeframe.
The closing date for applications is end of Monday 5th January 2026. We may request further details before inviting prospective candidates for interview. If you require further information, please contact us using the email address provided below.
In the first instance, please email a CV and covering letter to jobs@turnstoneecology.co.uk, quoting TTE2026 Ornithologist, TTTE2026 Senior Ornithologist in the subject.
Ornithologist/Senior Ornithologist employer: Turnstone Ecology Ltd
Turnstone Ecology Ltd is an excellent employer for Ornithologists and Senior Ornithologists, offering a supportive and friendly work environment with the flexibility of home-based roles. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and unique perks such as half-day Fridays and a Christmas bonus, all while engaging in meaningful conservation and development projects both in the UK and internationally. With opportunities for professional growth and a diverse portfolio of work, Turnstone Ecology fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an attractive choice for those passionate about ornithology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ornithologist/Senior Ornithologist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, check out Turnstone Ecology's website and social media. Familiarising yourself with their projects and values will help you connect during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to ornithology and your experience. This will help you articulate your skills and show off your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work at Turnstone Ecology.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, if you apply independently, you could snag that self-finder's bonus!
We think you need these skills to ace Ornithologist/Senior Ornithologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Ornithologist role. Highlight your bird identification skills, survey methods experience, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background fits with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about ornithology and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to our projects.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and check for any typos or errors. We love a well-written report, so let that shine through in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our friendly team at Turnstone Ecology!
How to prepare for a job interview at Turnstone Ecology Ltd
✨Know Your Birds
Brush up on your UK bird identification skills, both by sight and sound. Be prepared to discuss specific species you’ve worked with and any unique survey methods you’ve employed. This will show your expertise and passion for ornithology.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your experience with CRM, PBR, and PVA analysis during the interview. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in past projects, especially in relation to conservation and development work.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Prepare to discuss how you’ve written reports to a high standard and how you can convey findings effectively to various stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Field Work Scenarios
Expect questions about your ability to work in tough outdoor conditions and outside typical hours. Share experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and commitment to fieldwork, especially in diverse habitats or international settings.
