Job Description

Senior Ornithologist

At Origin Enterprises, we are dedicated to championing sustainable land use, and our Environmental teams support a diverse range of clients and projects—from land management and development to restoration and conservation.

Joining us means becoming part of a collaborative, purpose driven community where this collective expertise enables us to deliver high quality, fully integrated solutions and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes across the UK and Ireland.

About Avian

Avian Ecology is a growing ecological consultancy delivering complex infrastructure and land-use projects across the UK, with a strong and expanding portfolio in the renewables sector including onshore wind and solar projects.

We are led by skilled ecologists who also understand business. We deliver a professional service based on pragmatic advice, strong relationships and robust reporting. Our belief is that progressive development and the conservation of our natural heritage can co-exist, as we have demonstrated time and again through our projects across the UK.

The role will include:

• Helping to lead projects and support the existing team. (Project work will be varied, but there will be a strong focus on renewable energy schemes, particularly solar, as well as other commercial development projects.)
• Work closely with our clients, providing clear advice and robust documentation to support projects across the UK.
• Liaise with planning authorities, statutory agencies and stakeholders - this is a key part of the role, which provides excellent opportunities to further develop your project management skills.
• Co-ordinate our team of ecologists and oversee sub-consultants, providing support, technical review and mentoring expertise.

Key Requirements:

• A strong knowledge of UK bird species, ecology and distribution.
• Demonstrable experience in advising clients on the ornithology requirements of their projects.
• A strong understanding of relevant and emerging UK wide environmental /ecological policy and legislation.
• Ability to provide clear, succinct and robust technical reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments and Technical Appendices.
• Strong communication skills, including experience of working as part of a wider EIA team.
• Adept at developing strong relationships with clients, statutory agencies and stakeholders.
• Strong experience of field ornithology, survey techniques and of carrying out surveys as part of infrastructure design or construction.
• Experience in technical review of the work of others, and in developing a wider ecology team.
• Candidates will have a relevant degree and preferably be a CIEEM member, as well as a full clean drivers’ license.
• Previous consultancy experience is required for this role.
• You will be a flexible, diligent and pro-active person who is motivated to work either alone or as part of a team to consistently high standards.

Why work for us?

We offer a competitive and supportive rewards package designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally. This includes Life Assurance, access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and paid professional memberships such as CIEEM. We’re committed to continuous development, offering a blend of internal and external training opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career.

As part of our inclusive culture, you’ll have the opportunity to join our monthly Neurodiversity Café, take part in community action days, and benefit from our family friendly policies, including enhanced family leave options. While we value time spent together in our offices to collaborate and stay connected, most roles offer hybrid working and open conversations around flexibility.

You’ll also enjoy 25 days’ holiday, regular performance and development reviews, and the chance to collaborate across the wider Origin Group, especially within our growing family of Environmental businesses.

We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can grow, contribute and feel valued.

Visit our website to learn more — and grow with us.

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