Principal Ornithologist

We are seeking a Principal Ornithologist preferably based in Bristol or Cardiff, but with potential to be based in Manchester, to help deliver our exciting and diverse orderbook. Successful candidates will be part of the growing LUC ornithology team, while also having the opportunity to engage in the diverse portfolio of work undertaken by our UK-wide ecology team.

This opportunity requires applicants with previous experience and understanding of ornithology surveying, management of field work and the evaluation of ornithological impacts, particularly in the energy generation and transmission sectors.

With established teams in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Sheffield, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, we support a huge range of projects, at local and national levels. We’re enthusiastic about finding new ways to apply emerging ecological principles and methods to the most challenging of policy and development projects, and we have fun working together along the way.

This role would suit an experienced ecologist who is looking to take their next career step within a science-based team. The successful candidate will help to manage and deliver a broad portfolio of projects in south-west England, Wales and further afield. The role will be embedded in an established team structure within LUC’s Ecology Team, with opportunities to deliver ornithology support as a standalone service or as part of cross-team projects.

The evolving planning and policy landscape as it relates to renewables and development, and ongoing advances in survey and analysis techniques and technologies, means there is an opportunity for the right candidate to develop the scope of the role to keep pace with the requirements of the clients and regulators.

• Managing projects in line with LUC’s internal Project Management System
• Preparing tender responses and fee proposals
• Contributing to wider business development activity, with support from senior colleagues
• Planning, coordinating and delivering field surveys
• Line management, mentoring and development of junior staff
• Managing, analysing and interpreting ornithological data
• Preparing consultancy reports and undertaking ornithological assessment

The role includes the opportunity to share and participate actively in the management and ownership of the business through the Employee Ownership Trust, which places full ownership of the company with the employees.

The role is based in LUC’s offices in Bristol, Cardiff or Manchester. We work in a hybrid model with people being in the office a minimum of two days per week. There will also be travel required to visit sites, client offices and other office locations.

A full-time role is based on 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). However, LUC has a strong track record in flexible working, and we have been recognised for our flexible working culture, so we are happy to discuss a range of flexible working options for this role including part time hours (minimum 30 hours per week) if desired.

The successful candidate will complement our existing enthusiastic and dedicated ornithology and ecology teams. You will share our commitment to high quality science and be motivated to further grow your ornithology skills and wider expertise in consulting. In taking on work, we aim to make a meaningful contribution to achieving net zero, reversing biodiversity loss and improving human well-being.

• Knowledge of wildlife, especially birds and bird conservation priorities, in the UK, gained through practical experience and further / higher education.
• Ornithological or ecological field survey experience.
• Project management skills, including budgeting, fieldwork planning and coordination and…