We’re looking for a Principal Ornithologist to join our growing Nature Services team, taking a leading role in delivering high‑quality ornithology expertise across some of the UK’s most exciting and complex projects.
About The Role
As a Principal Ornithologist, you’ll act as a senior technical leader, supporting major infrastructure, energy, water, transport and development projects. You’ll lead survey strategies, provide expert advice, and ensure the highest standards of technical output while mentoring others and strengthening our service offering. You’ll play a key part in ensuring our projects deliver positive outcomes for biodiversity, clients, and communities.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the design and delivery of ornithological surveys and assessment programmes across diverse sectors.
- Providing expert input on survey methodologies, data analysis, impact assessment, mitigation and monitoring.
- Preparing, reviewing and signing off high‑quality outputs including:
- Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
- Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) chapters
- Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
- Managing projects end‑to‑end: scope, programme, budgets, quality and risk.
- Supporting business development, including tenders, proposals and client presentations.
- Building long‑term client relationships and identifying opportunities for growth.
- Mentoring and developing junior and mid‑level ecologists and ornithologists.
- Driving innovation, best practice and continuous improvement in ornithology.
- Collaborating across environmental and engineering disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.
- Promoting a strong culture of health, safety and wellbeing.
What We’re Looking For
- Degree in Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science or similar.
- Significant experience in ornithology within consultancy or applied settings.
- Excellent bird identification skills and survey experience.
- Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, policy and best practice.
- Proven experience designing surveys, analysing data and delivering robust impact assessments.
- Experience leading work on complex or large‑scale projects.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Confidence working with clients and stakeholders.
- CIEEM membership (or equivalent), with chartership or working towards desirable.
Desirable Experience
- Major infrastructure or renewable energy projects.
- Habitats Regulations and designated site assessments.
- Collision Risk Modelling or advanced data analysis.
- Line management and mentoring.
- Contribution to business growth or service development.
What You’ll Get In Return
- A senior role with real influence over technical direction and service growth.
- Opportunities to work on high‑profile, nation‑shaping projects.
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
- The chance to develop others and build a high‑performing team.
- Support to further your professional development and chartership.
- Flexible working and a strong focus on work‑life balance.
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
