We’re looking for a Principal Ornithologist to join our growing Nature Services team, taking a leading role in delivering high-quality ornithology expertise across some of the UK’s most exciting and complex projects.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced specialist to combine technical leadership, project delivery, and client engagement, while helping shape the future of our ornithology capability within a multidisciplinary consultancy environment.
About the role
As a Principal Ornithologist, you’ll act as a senior technical leader, supporting major infrastructure, energy, water, transport and development projects. You’ll lead survey strategies, provide expert advice, and ensure the highest standards of technical output while mentoring others and strengthening our service offering.
You’ll play a key part in ensuring our projects deliver positive outcomes for biodiversity, clients, and communities.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading the design and delivery of ornithological surveys and assessment programmes across diverse sectors
- Providing expert input on survey methodologies, data analysis, impact assessment, mitigation and monitoring
- Preparing, reviewing and signing off high-quality outputs including:
- Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
- Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) chapters
- Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams
- Managing projects end-to-end: scope, programme, budgets, quality and risk
- Supporting business development, including tenders, proposals and client presentations
- Building long-term client relationships and identifying opportunities for growth
- Mentoring and developing junior and mid-level ecologists and ornithologists
- Driving innovation, best practice and continuous improvement in ornithology
- Collaborating across environmental and engineering disciplines to deliver integrated solutions
Promoting a strong culture of health, safety and wellbeing
-
What we’re looking for
- Degree in Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science or similar
- Significant experience in ornithology within consultancy or applied settings
- Excellent bird identification skills and survey experience
- Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, policy and best practice
- Proven experience designing surveys, analysing data and delivering robust impact assessments
- Experience leading work on complex or large-scale projects
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Confidence working with clients and stakeholders
CIEEM membership (or equivalent), with chartership or working towards desirable
-
Desirable experience
- Major infrastructure or renewable energy projects
- Habitats Regulations and designated site assessments
- Collision Risk Modelling or advanced data analysis
- Line management and mentoring
Contribution to business growth or service development
-
What you’ll get in return
- A senior role with real influence over technical direction and service growth
- Opportunities to work on high-profile, nation-shaping projects
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
- The chance to develop others and build a high-performing team
- Support to further your professional development and chartership
Flexible working and a strong focus on work-life balance
-
Why join us?
At the heart of our Nature Services team is a shared goal: to deliver practical, science-led solutions that benefit both people and nature. As a Principal Ornithologist, you’ll be at the forefront of this helping shape sustainable outcomes and drive meaningful environmental change.
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the
best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?
With us, you can. Apply today.
#LI-MB1
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Work-life balance
At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.
Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
Inclusivity & Belonging
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.
Health & Wellbeing
We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.
Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
Flex your time
To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.
We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
Your development
We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.
#WeAreWSP
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
