Associate Ornithologist

SLR Consulting

Associate Ornithologist leading onshore ornithology projects for SLR in Scotland. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing technical assessments for renewable energy developments.

Posted 7/22/2026full-timeEdinburgh • 🇬🇧 United KingdomJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in ornithological project management, including technical assessment, survey design, and client engagement, while fostering the development of ecological professionals. Proficient in navigating environmental regulations and delivering high-quality ecological reports.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ornithological Project ManagementEcological Impact AssessmentEuropean Birds And Habitats DirectivesSurvey Design And Data InterpretationClient Management And Proposal Support

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Ornithological AssessmentHabitats Regulations AppraisalEIA Ornithology ChaptersCollision Risk AnalysisTerritory Analysis

Soft Skills

Mentoring And CoachingFlexible And Proactive ApproachCross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

CIEEM Membership

Industry Keywords

Scottish Environmental Planning SystemHealth And Safety ProceduresBusiness DevelopmentEcology Services

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

You’ll lead the delivery of onshore ornithology projects from planning through to detailed assessment, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams
Project and technical leadership – managing ornithological aspects of development projects across renewables, infrastructure and land management
Client management and proposal support – preparing fee proposals, scopes of work, tender submissions and technical reports
Mentoring and coaching ornithology staff – with potential for line management depending on experience
Survey programme oversight – scheduling, managing and delivering complex ornithological survey work packages using in‑house and subcontractor teams
Technical assessment – preparing and reviewing Ornithological Assessments, Habitats Regulations Appraisals, EIA ornithology chapters and related reports
Cross‑disciplinary collaboration – working with planning, landscape, hydrology, noise, air quality and senior ecology colleagues across the UK and overseas
Business development – identifying opportunities to expand ecology and related services in Scotland

Requirements

What you’ll need

A passion for avian ecology, high‑quality delivery and supporting the development of other ecological professionals
A degree in ecology or a related subject (or equivalent experience), with CIEEM membership desirable
Strong understanding of the European Birds and Habitats Directives and assessment methods for European designated sites
Strong knowledge of the Scottish environmental planning system and ornithological impact assessment requirements
Experience in ornithological survey design, data interpretation and (ideally) collision risk or territory analysis
Strong report writing skills, including Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Appraisals
Demonstrable experience in winning, managing and delivering projects in line with health and safety and financial procedures
Experience providing technical leadership and quality assurance on projects
A flexible, proactive approach to work
A full UK driving licence

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary with discretionary bonus
Company pension
Private medical insurance
Life, income, and travel insurance
Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle-to-work schemes
Flexible, hybrid and agile working
25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays
Buy or sell leave options
Core working hours
Cross-border remote working and sabbatical opportunities
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
Specialist support for mental health, stress and menopause