Senior / Principal Ornithologist
| Posting date: | 05 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £35,000.0 to £50,000.0 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £35,000 - £50,000 (DOE) |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 April 2026 |
| Location: | Glasgow, Glasgow, EH1 1AA |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4776871_1772714873 |
Summary
Your new company
Our client is a respected and rapidly growing ecological consultancy known for delivering high-quality, evidence-driven environmental solutions across Scotland. With a reputation for excellence in ornithological assessment, habitat management, and ecological advisory work, they partner with a wide range of clients across renewable energy, infrastructure, conservation, and land management sectors.
Due to continued project growth and an expanding pipeline of nationally significant developments, our client is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Ornithologist to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering their ornithology services.
Your new role
As Senior Ornithologist, you will take the technical lead on a variety of ornithological projects, providing expert guidance throughout survey design, fieldwork delivery, data analysis and reporting.You will be responsible for:
- Leading complex ornithological impact assessments, including for onshore wind, grid infrastructure, and land-use developments
- Designing, managing, and overseeing survey programmes across breeding, wintering, and migratory periods
- Delivering high quality technical reports, EIAs, and HRA contributions
- Providing expert advice to clients, statutory agencies, and internal teams
- Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists to develop their ornithological skill sets
- Supporting business development, tender preparation, and client engagement activities
What you'll need to succeed
- Proven experience in ornithology within a consultancy or applied ecological environment
- Strong technical capability in survey design, species identification, data interpretation, and impact assessment
- A solid understanding of Scottish ornithological policy, legislation, and planning processes
- Excellent report writing skills and confidence in liaising with clients and stakeholders
- The ability to lead field teams and manage multiple concurrent projects
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across Scotland
- Holding membership with CIEEM or working toward chartership would be advantageous.
What you'll get in return
- Annual salary of £35,000 - £50,000 (DOE)
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Training and professional development support, including chartership pathways
- A varied project portfolio with the chance to contribute to nationally significant environmental work
- A friendly and growing team that values technical excellence and work-life balance
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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