Senior​/Principal​/Associate Ornithologist

Job Description

Are you ready to join a team of talented Ecologists and shape the future of the environment?

We are looking for an ornithological specialist (Senior, Principal or Associate) to help lead and advise on ornithology across our South West and Wales region, located from either our Bristol, Cardiff or Exeter office. Our Nature team in the region is working on a mix of energy, water, renewables, defence and transport projects. Our team is also supporting the wider AECOM Nature team with national and international projects.

• Manage the preparation of high‑quality and commercially astute bids and tenders for ornithological services, notably in renewable energy, power and transport infrastructure and transformational sectors.
• Manage the ornithological aspects of projects from conception through survey scoping, liaison with statutory bodies and final assessment.
• Act as lead verifier on projects to ensure that ornithological aspects are delivered to the highest technical standards.
• Author and review/verify ornithology deliverables including EIA chapters and HRA.
• Plan, schedule and organise all phases of bird survey and analysis project work, ensuring necessary resources, budgets and controls are in place to meet both programme and budget requirements.
• Undertake ornithology surveys as and when required, particularly during the survey scoping stage.
• Deliver ornithological consultancy and advisory services to both internal and external clients.
• Develop technically robust and pragmatic solutions to complex ecological issues across a range of bird habitats, including grassland, woodland, moorland, wetland and coastal habitats.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with other members of the ecology team, within projects and with clients by telephone, electronically and in face‑to‑face meetings.
• Mentor junior staff and take ownership of strategic initiatives to improve the ornithology skillset and processes within the region.

• Proven track record of supporting the planning and delivery of ornithology projects in the UK or Ireland.
• Well‑developed understanding of UK or Irish wildlife conservation, especially in relation to the legal and policy framework protecting birds.
• Membership of an appropriate professional institution and evidence of working towards chartership (such as CIEEM or related). Commitment to innovation and continuing professional development.
• Excellent field skills in at least one specialist area of ornithology.
• A proactive approach to health and safety.

We celebrate diversity, including neurodiversity, and believe it enriches our team. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. If you are an applicant with a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us at Reaso At AECOM, we value everyone's unique contributions and perspectives.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.