Principal Ornithology Consultant

APEM Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Principal Terrestrial Ornithologist to lead and manage complex ecological projects. The role requires extensive knowledge of UK bird ecology and project management skills, as well as the ability to mentor junior staff. Candidates should have a relevant MSc degree and a proven track record in technical report writing. The consultancy offers opportunities for continuous development, flexible working options, and numerous employee benefits.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Access to mental health support

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of UK bird ecology.
• Experience managing complex ecological projects.
• Proven record of technical report writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery on terrestrial ornithology projects.
• Manage project budgets and timelines.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to team growth.

Skills

Project management

Bird ecology knowledge

Technical report writing

Ecological impact assessment

Education

MSc in relevant science discipline

Job description

About The Role

Are you an experienced ornithologist ready to lead complex terrestrial projects and shape best practice? Do you enjoy combining robust science with practical consultancy delivery? Are you motivated by mentoring others while working on nationally significant infrastructure projects?

We’re looking for a Principal Terrestrial Ornithologist to join our established and growing Ornithology team. With over 30 ornithologists across the UK, the team delivers high-quality advice and survey programmes across the full project lifecycle — from site feasibility and baseline surveys through EIA, consenting and post-consent support.

This role is focused on terrestrial and intertidal ornithology, supporting major onshore wind, solar and infrastructure projects. You’ll lead technical delivery, manage projects and clients, and play a key role in contributing to ornithological advisory services and ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of projects. You’ll work closely with senior colleagues within the Ornithology team and the wider APEM Group to grow the team, influence and shape current workstreams, and expand the current client and project base. Over time, you'll become a mentor and guide for junior staff across the sector and related teams, with line management responsibilities.

What you’ll need to succeed

• A degree (preferably MSc) in a relevant science discipline, or equivalent experience, and an excellent knowledge of UK bird ecology.
• Track record in project delivery – project management of programmes including large, high profile or complex projects including responsibility for budgeting.
• Technical expertise with experience of designing and managing/undertaking survey programmes and undertaking impact assessment gained through a career in consultancy.
• Detailed knowledge of the technical assessments underpinning ornithological work in support of large development projects.
• Excellent report writing ability, demonstrated by a track record of writing high quality technical reports for a range of clients in the private and public sector.
• Professional accreditation or to be of a suitable level to apply for membership of a relevant membership body (CIEEM, IEMA etc.).

What will help you stand out

• Experience of working on onshore wind projects across the UK and Ireland, with excellent knowledge of survey guidance, consenting risks and the assessment process. Experience of other renewable energy developments (solar, hydro etc) would be beneficial.
• Experience leading on, or providing specialist technical advice on, the design and implementation of habitat/species management, mitigation, compensation, and enhancement plans or projects for the renewables sector.
• Experience of undertaking Collision Risk Modelling for onshore wind farms.
• Track record of winning work and developing new client relationships.
• Considerable experience working with and developing relationships with regulators and stakeholders.
• Experience of line management of more junior staff and mentoring colleagues to develop their skills and knowledge.
• Experience of leading on the writing of proposal documents and drafting costs.

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.

About Us

The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy. We work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally. Our successful pioneering work has enabled us to grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working toward the protection of the environment across the globe.