Are you an experienced ornithologist looking to lead impactful terrestrial projects and help shape the future of ecological consultancy? Do you thrive on combining technical excellence with practical project delivery? Are you passionate about mentoring others while contributing to nationally significant renewable energy and infrastructure developments?
We’re seeking a Principal Terrestrial Ornithologist to join our expanding Ornithology team. With a team of over 30 ornithologists across the UK, we deliver high-quality technical advice and survey programmes throughout the full project lifecycle — from early feasibility and baseline surveys through to EIA, consenting, and post-consent support.
This role focuses on terrestrial and intertidal ornithology, supporting a diverse portfolio of onshore wind, solar, and major infrastructure projects. You’ll take the lead on technical delivery, project management, and client engagement, while helping to drive innovation and best practice across ornithological services. Working closely with senior colleagues across the Ornithology team and the wider APEM Group, you’ll contribute to the growth of the team, strengthen existing client relationships, and support the development of new opportunities. You’ll also play an important role in mentoring and supporting junior colleagues, with opportunities for line management responsibilities as the team continues to grow.
What you’ll need to succeed
- A degree (preferably MSc) in a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent professional experience, alongside an excellent understanding of UK bird ecology
- Proven experience delivering projects, including management of large, high-profile or technically complex programmes, with responsibility for budgets and programme coordination.
- Strong technical expertise in designing, managing, and delivering ornithological survey programmes and impact assessments within a consultancy environment.
- Detailed understanding of the technical assessments required to support ornithological input into major development projects.
- Excellent report writing and communication skills, demonstrated through the production of high-quality technical reports for clients across both the private and public sectors.
- Professional accreditation, or eligibility for membership, with a relevant professional body such as CIEEM or IEMA.
What will help you stand out
- Experience working on onshore wind projects across the UK and Ireland, with a strong understanding of survey guidance, consenting risks, and assessment processes. Experience across other renewable technologies, including solar and hydro, would also be advantageous
- Experience leading, or providing specialist advice on, habitat and species management, mitigation, compensation, and enhancement strategies within the renewables sector.
- Experience undertaking Collision Risk Modelling for onshore wind developments.
- A track record of winning work, building client relationships, and contributing to business development activities.
- Strong experience engaging with regulators, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary project teams.
- Previous line management experience, including mentoring and supporting junior staff development.
- Experience preparing proposals, scopes of work, and project costings.
You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, many of our employees have worked on projects that have been of personal interest to them. We match this with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. We also offer benefits to look after you, from private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.
Next steps
We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.
If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need some basic information and your CV, we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applications.