Principal Ornithologist

Associated British Ports; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A marine consultancy firm seeks a Principal Consultant in Southampton to manage diverse marine and coastal projects. Candidates should possess a degree in marine environmental discipline and at least five years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include project management, environmental assessments, and client coordination. The role offers competitive benefits, including a contribution-matched pension plan and flexible work arrangements. Apply by 27th February 2026.

Benefits

Contribution-matched pension plan

Private medical and dental insurance

Paid professional subscription

Range of discount schemes

Qualifications

• At least five years’ relevant experience in consultancy or regulatory background.
• Strong commitment to sustainable development in the marine environment.
• Highly organised and self-motivated.

Responsibilities

• Manage and advise on large-scale marine and coastal projects.
• Coordinate projects through marine licensing and consenting process.
• Prepare proposals and coordinate the tendering process.

Skills

Project management

Excellent report writing

Engaging presentation skills

Knowledge of marine planning consents

Education

Degree in marine environmental discipline

Job description

Overview

ABPmer is a consultancy and survey company with a 75-year history helping clients sustainably develop, manage, protect and operate in the marine environment. We deliver for clients across all marine and coastal sectors, including conservation bodies, fisheries, coastal developers, dredging companies, ports and marina facilities, renewable energy providers and utility companies, as well as government and its agencies. We provide a wide range of services to help clients achieve their objectives. Our specialists advise on consents and licensing, infrastructure design, habitat creation and restoration, maritime risk, and marine planning and policy, supported by quality in-house data and information, including on-site physical and ecological data collected by our experienced survey team. Our success is thanks to the knowledge, experience and skills of our people, working in an environment focussed on collaboration, continuous learning and career progression.

You are knowledgeable about the UK marine planning and consents regime and have demonstrable project management experience, preferably within a consultancy environment.

You are highly organised, collaborative and self-motivated, with excellent report writing and engaging presentation skills. You have a strong commitment to sustainable development in the marine environment.

You have a degree or postgraduate degree in a marine environmental discipline, and at least five years’ relevant experience in a consultancy or regulatory background.

Role and Responsibilities

We are looking for a Principal Consultant to join our team of environment specialists, who will be responsible for managing and advising a wide range of large-scale marine and coastal projects, including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

• Project management and delivery
• Staff mentoring and development
• Environmental Assessments including Environmental Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Water Framework Directive assessments, Marine Conservation Zone assessments and Marine Plan Conformance assessments
• Coordinating and managing projects through the marine licensing and consenting process
• Preparation and coordination of the proposal/tendering process

Our People, Projects, and Benefits

Our people: We are a friendly, welcoming team focussed on collaborative working. Our culture means you are encouraged to chart your own course to excellence.

Our projects: We deliver a diverse portfolio of work, allowing you to apply your expertise to an array of interesting projects and locations.

Our flexibility: We understand the importance of good work-life balance, offering flexible arrangements as standard, including hybrid working.

Your career development: We operate a programme of continuous professional development supported by tailored, formal and on-the-job training and mentoring.

Your benefits: Working for us means you benefit from a contribution-matched pension plan, private medical and dental insurance as well as paid professional subscription, and a range of discount schemes.

Our team is growing: We continue to grow to meet the high demand for our bespoke services. Join us as we continue our exciting journey.

Application

Type: Permanent

Location: Southampton/hybrid working (some travel required)

Closing Date: 27th February 2026

Please note that the closing date for this role is 27th February 2026; however we may close the vacancy early if we receive a large number of applications, so we recommend you apply as soon as possible.

Additional Information and Equal Opportunity

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.

Note: ABP undertakes random screening for substance abuse and operates a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.