Job Description

Consultant Ornithologist

Location:

Horsley | UK-wide travel | Hybrid & Flexible Working

Hours:

37.5 per week, Monday-Friday

Department:

Consenting & Environment

Reports to:

Associate Technical Director

About Us

At Natural Power, we've been pioneers of positive renewable change for over 30 years. Our

Consenting & Environment

team delivers planning and environmental services across the full lifecycle of renewable energy projects. We bring together planners, project managers and specialists-including ecologists and ornithologists-to help clients navigate site identification, feasibility, scoping, EIA, HRA and post-consent support.


We're now looking for a

Consultant Ornithologist

to join our Onshore Ecology team. This is your chance to work on an exciting and diverse portfolio of renewable projects, alongside a forward-thinking, collaborative and professional team that encourages individuals to reach their full potential.

The Role

As a Consultant Ornithologist, you'll use your technical knowledge to advise clients, manage ornithology projects and survey logistics, and contribute to high-quality reporting for planning and consents.


Day to day, you'll:

Undertake and manage ornithological surveys (with travel across the UK, often to remote sites). Provide clear ornithological advice, including survey design, data analysis, interpretation, and impact assessments. Produce and review technical documentation including annual reports, EIA and HRA chapters, licence applications, and feasibility studies. Manage project budgets, resources and timelines. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultees, landowners and subcontractors. Contribute to tenders, quotes and wider business development. Help raise Natural Power's profile through industry engagement.

This role involves periods of fieldwork, sometimes in challenging terrain and weather conditions, with occasional early starts and late finishes. Any overtime can be taken back as time off in lieu.

About You

Essential:

Degree (or equivalent experience) in Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related discipline. Strong knowledge of ornithology, including survey design, bird ID, data collection, analysis and impact assessments. Experience delivering ornithology surveys in the UK. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Excellent teamwork and communication skills. Flexible and proactive, with a problem-solving mindset. CSCS card. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel/stay overnight for surveys.

Desirable:

Professional membership (CIEEM or IEMA). Knowledge of onshore renewables sector and UK planning/permitting processes. Experience in EIA ornithology chapters, Habitat Regulations, or Biodiversity Net Gain. Environmental Clerk of Works experience. Broader ecological survey experience (e.g. terrestrial mammals).

What We Offer

We will provide an engaging, collaborative and supportive working environment, alongside an excellent benefits package:

Generous annual leave allowance Flexible and hybrid working options Employee assistance programme Health plans, personal insurances, discounts & salary sacrifice schemes Opportunities for training, professional development and career progression

Diversity & Inclusion

Natural Power is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status.

How to Apply

You can find the full role profile for this vacancy attached below. Details of all our current opportunities are available on our website.

Natural Power reserves the right to remove this vacancy at any time.