Environmental Specialist - Marine Mammal Specialist

Location: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Orkney

Employment Type: We welcome applications from candidates interested in either staff or contract opportunities.

Our Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultancy offering has grown significantly in recent years, supporting gigawatt scale and first of a kind offshore wind developments and complex EIA and HRA assessments across multiple sectors. We are looking for a recognised leader and subject matter expert in marine mammal ecology and environmental consenting to take ownership of our technical offering, mentor and develop colleagues, and act as a trusted adviser to clients and project teams and help shape industry best practice.

You will be recognised within your field and comfortable operating at the interface between technical excellence, project delivery and client relationships. Working alongside our established team of technical specialists, EIA coordinators and project managers, you will provide oversight and guidance on complex marine mammal assessments. This role offers the opportunity to join a growing and well-established team working at the forefront of the energy transition. You will have the opportunity to influence major infrastructure projects, contribute to industry initiatives and play a role in defining how environmental assessments are delivered across an evolving energy landscape.

As the Subject Matter Expert for marine mammal ecology, you will provide strategic leadership and expert advice on complex environmental assessment and consenting programmes across the marine and offshore sectors. You will oversee the technical delivery of major projects, guide multidisciplinary teams, and act as a trusted adviser to clients, regulators and industry stakeholders. As a senior member of the Environment Team, you will help shape business strategy, drive growth, advance technical excellence and support the development of future leaders within the business.

Responsibilities

• Act as the recognised subject matter expert for marine mammal ecology and assessment, providing strategic technical leadership on environmental assessment and consenting programmes.
• Provide Director/Sponsor-level oversight, technical assurance and governance for major offshore and marine infrastructure consenting projects.
• Provide strategic advice on complex marine mammal ecology, environmental assessment and consenting challenges.
• Drive technical innovation, best practice and thought leadership in marine mammal assessment and the wider EIA delivery line.
• Direct and coordinate multidisciplinary technical teams across complex projects and programmes.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, regulators and statutory consultees, acting as a strategic adviser on complex environmental and consenting challenges.
• Contribute to the growth, strategic direction and capability development of the EIA and consenting business.
• Lead strategic business development activities, including identifying market opportunities, developing new services, expanding client relationships and supporting framework, tender and cross-selling opportunities.
• Lead, mentor and develop technical specialists and project managers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation and collaboration.
• Represent the business externally through industry engagement, technical forums, conferences and professional networks, enhancing the organisation's profile and influence within the sector.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• 10 years+ experience as a marine mammal specialist in offshore environmental assessment, offshore wind, tidal, or marine energy consenting or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record in leading and project managing complex consenting projects including EIA and HRA relevant ecology receptor assessments for offshore projects, as well as protected species licensing.
• Master’s degree or higher in marine biology, ecology, zoology, quantitative ecology, or related field.
• Expert working knowledge of mitigation measures to reduce impacts on marine mammals.
• Confident and collaborative communicator with excellent analytical and writing skills.

Desirable Skills

• Active engagement in industry forums, working groups and conferences.
• Experience in influencing industry guidance, policy or best practice.
• Experience in other receptor topics such as ornithology, fish and shellfish, etc.

Why you should join us:

• We are a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming place to work.
• We work flexibly at Xodus which means how you work your day is flexible with a combination of working in the office and at home.
• We offer a Market Competitive Salary to ensure that you know your efforts and inputs are valued.
• We offer a Company pension scheme to allow you to save for your future.
• Access to training and development opportunities.
• We have enhanced parental and shared parental leave pay policies available from day one of employment.
• We have a number of comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits available for you and your family, including Private Medical Insurance, Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Income Protection and Life Insurance.
• We ensure there is always something fun to look forward to in the social calendar.
• Xodus is dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace where every voice is valued, every perspective is celebrated, and everyone can thrive.

Further Information: Please contact recruitment@xodusgroup.com for further information on this opportunity. The closing date for this role is 23 August 2026. We look forward to receiving your application!