Senior Ornithologist

Description

SLR are looking for a Senior Ornithologist to join our highly successful and expanding ecology team. You will 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 involves managing survey work across a wide range of sites, as well as data analysis, report writing, tendering and project management.

You will be responsible for delivering ornithology inputs to large and complex projects, receiving support from experienced professionals to develop your skills. The position may include supervision and mentoring of junior staff and, depending on experience, broader staff management.

• Management and delivery of ornithological aspects of projects, providing specialist technical advice to clients, colleagues and consultees.
• Leading ornithology surveys using a range of methodologies and techniques.
• Producing technical reports, including scoping reports and EIA chapters, with data analysis and presentation.
• Supporting tender delivery by preparing technical proposals, determining budgets, arranging sub‑contract quotes and reviewing contracts.
• Supervising and mentoring junior ornithology staff, with potential for broader staff management.
• Liaising with other SLR technical teams on ecology, planning, landscape, and hydrology while working closely with senior ecology members in other offices.

Requirements

We are open to candidates at various seniority levels, from Senior Field to Associate Consultant, but ideally require professional experience in ornithological consulting. A degree in Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent (MSc desirable) and appropriate CIEEM membership are expected, along with excellent bird identification skills, experience with diverse survey techniques, strong data‑collection abilities, and proven project‑management competence.

The role also requires a solid grounding in ecology, survey guidance, environmental assessment, knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, and outstanding communication and report‑writing skills. A full UK driving licence is required.

• A degree in Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent (MSc desirable) and appropriate CIEEM membership or equivalent.
• Passion for ornithology demonstrated by excellent bird identification skills and experience with various survey techniques (e.g., vantage points, moorland breeding birds, raptors).
• Understanding of scientific data collection methods and aptitude for accurate recording and storage of data.
• Demonstrable competence in project management, health and safety planning, budget management, and liaison with clients, subcontractors and stakeholders.
• Good theoretical grounding in ecology, survey guidance and environmental assessment.
• Understanding of UK wildlife legislation and the conservation status of UK bird species.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.

Benefits

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions with over 4,000 employees operating in six regions and more than 125 countries. Our ‘one team’ culture provides a collaborative environment, competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package—including pension, healthcare, travel and life insurance—and a structured career framework with regular reviews.

We offer flexible, agile and hybrid working, 25 days of annual leave plus flexible bank holidays, and family‑friendly policies to help balance professional and home life.

SLR is committed to equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment for all backgrounds, including under‑represented groups. Applicants with disabilities who meet essential requirements will be guaranteed an interview under our Disability Confident Committed status.

• SLR Commitment – applicants with a disability who meet essential requirements will be guaranteed an interview in line with Disability Confident Committed status.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance