Senior Ornithologist

SLR are looking for an experienced Ornithologist to join our highly successful and expanding ecology team and play a lead role in delivering a range of projects across our business sectors, mainly to assist our growing portfolio of renewable energy projects in the UK.

The role will involve managing survey work across a wide range of sites, as well as data analysis, report writing, tendering and project management. This role presents an exciting opportunity to be responsible for the delivery of ornithology inputs to a number of large and complex projects. As a part of our specialist ornithology services division, you will receive support from highly experienced professionals to develop your skills and meet your career aspirations.

This is a hybrid-working role, which will require periodic attendance at one of our offices ( however we will consider candidates located away from office locations but within England, Wales and Scotland

The role

Duties will be varied but will include:

• Management and delivery of ornithological aspects of projects, and providing clients, colleagues and consultees with specialist technical advice.

• Leading on ornithology surveys, following a range of survey methodologies and techniques.

• Production of technical reports, including scoping reports and EIA chapters, including data analysis and presentation.

• Support in the delivery of tenders, including production of technical proposals, determining budgets, arranging sub-contract quotes and contract review.

• Supervision and mentoring of junior ornithology staff. Depending on skills and experience, the role may also include staff management.

• Liaising with other SLR technical teams on a variety of subjects including ecology, planning, landscape, and hydrology, whilst working closely with senior members of the ecology team in other SLR offices.

Due to the nature of client sites and survey types, the position may involve remote working and some out-of-hours work..

About us

SLR are global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with more than 3,000 employees across 6 regions – including over 1,000 staff across Europe. SLR’s ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business; providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.

Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, critical illness cover and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 day’s annual leave, SLR offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, and our family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and family life. High quality optical equipment for surveys is provided.

About you

We are open to offering this role at a range of seniorities, from Senior Field to Associate Consultant level, but would ideally like professional experience within ornithological consulting, as well as:

• A degree in Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent (MSc desirable) plus appropriate level of membership of CIEEM or equivalent.

• A passion for ornithology demonstrated by excellent bird identification skills and experience in a range of ornithology survey techniques (e.g. vantage points, moorland breeding birds, raptors).

• An understanding of scientific data collection methods and an aptitude for accurate and clear recording and storage of data.

• Demonstrable competence in project management, planning work in line with health and safety procedures, budget management, and liaison with clients, subcontractors and stakeholders.

• Good theoretical grounding in ecology, survey guidance and environmental assessment.

• Demonstrable understanding of UK wildlife legislation and the conservation status of UK bird species.

• Excellent communication and report writing skills.

If you are interested, and hold a full UK driving licence , we would love to hear from you.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional DE&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all individuals regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently underrepresented at SLR, such as: LGBTQ+ people, ethic minority groups, women, and individuals with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.

For more information on our commitment to DE&I, and the great work we are doing, please click here: and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.