Principal Consultant

HiDef Aerial Surveying Limited (HiDef) is known for its market leading, innovative digital aerial surveys, which have been deployed in ten countries. We are expanding rapidly across all of our services, combining technical and scientific excellence and it is crucial to the company that we continue to lead in the innovation of new products based upon credible science and deliver all of our services in a consistent and efficient manner.

We work on a range of projects ranging from our digital aerial surveys, ornithological and marine mammal statistical analysis and research and development projects in fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, often with our sister company Bio Consult SH in Germany, Biotope in France, other partners, and domain experts.

Our Vision
: to provide trusted, high quality environmental data, analysis, and consultancy to support decision-making for the renewables industry and conservation.

Our Mission
: to be a leading marine environmental consultancy for the global offshore renewables industry.

HiDef’s Consultancy Team comprises experienced Marine Ecologists, Ornithologists, Data Scientists and Statisticians who work together to deliver high-quality consultancy, research and impact assessment projects. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Consultant with strong ornithological expertise and significant EIA and HRA experience to lead and deliver technical projects, particularly within the offshore renewables sector. The role will involve providing expert technical input to ornithological and environmental assessments, managing client relationships, engaging with regulators and stakeholders, supporting business development activities, and opportunities for fieldwork.

The successful candidate will also contribute to the continued growth and development of HiDef’s scientific and research profile. This may include identifying opportunities for collaboration, contributing to funded research initiatives, supporting technical innovation and working with partner organisations across the Alliance for Nature (e.g. Bio Consult SH in Germany, Biotope in France, Strix in Portugal).

This role would suit a scientifically curious and forward-thinking individual who is motivated by solving complex environmental challenges and who wants to play an influential role in the future growth and technical direction of an expanding Consultancy Team.

This position could be based at HiDef’s head office in Workington, Cumbria, or in our Edinburgh office, we also have options for hybrid and home working. Travel within the UK will be a requirement of this role. Occasional travel outside of the UK may also be required.

The role includes but is not limited to:

• Lead and deliver high-quality ornithological consultancy projects, with a particular focus on offshore infrastructure, ensuring technical excellence and regulatory compliance throughout project life cycles;
• Provide technical leadership on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and wider environmental assessment work, including interpretation of relevant policy, guidance and legislation;
• Provide technical specialist input for ornithology projects
• Co-ordinate and managing input from the HiDef Consultancy Team (Ecological Consultants and Data Scientists) as part of project delivery;
• Lead the preparation, review and quality assurance of technical reports, ensuring outputs are scientifically robust, clear and delivered to agreed timescales and budgets.
• Participate in ornithology fieldwork, as appropriate;
• Manage and develop strong relationships with clients, regulators, stakeholders and project partners, acting as a trusted technical advisor;
• Represent the Company at client meetings, technical workshops, stakeholder consultations and industry events;
• Support business development activities, including identifying opportunities, contributing to proposals and tenders, and helping to secure new work;
• Contribute to the strategic growth and technical direction of the consultancy team, including identifying opportunities for innovation and service development;
• Support and contribute to research…