Ornithologist


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£30,000 to £45,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Warrington, M1 1AA
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	11 Sept 2026
Closing date:	11 Oct 2026

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Summary

Your new company

Our client is a well-established, independent environmental consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality ecological, planning and environmental services across the UK. With a multidisciplinary team of specialists, they work on a diverse portfolio of development, infrastructure, conservation and land management projects, helping clients deliver sustainable solutions that benefit both people and nature.

Due to continued growth, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an Ornithologist to join their established ecology team based in Warrington. Applications are welcomed from both consultant and senior-level professionals looking to further develop their technical expertise and project responsibilities within a supportive and collaborative environment.

Your new role

As an Ornithologist, you will play a key role in delivering bird-related surveys, assessments and consultancy advice across a wide range of projects. Working alongside ecologists, planners and environmental specialists, you will support project delivery from fieldwork through to reporting and client liaison.

Key responsibilities will include:

Undertaking a range of ornithological surveys including breeding bird, wintering bird, Vantage Point, Wetland Bird Survey and species-specific surveys.

Designing survey methodologies and coordinating survey programmes.

Producing high-quality technical reports including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), HRA inputs and ornithological assessments.

Advising clients on ornithological constraints, mitigation and enhancement measures.

Supporting planning applications and environmental assessments.

Managing project budgets, timescales and client relationships (Senior level).

Mentoring junior ecologists and surveyors (Senior level).

Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on a variety of environmental projects across the UK.

What you'll need to succeed

For Consultant level, you will ideally have:

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology or a related discipline.

Relevant ornithological survey experience within a consultancy or similar environment.

Strong knowledge of UK bird species, legislation and survey methodologies.

Experience producing technical reports and ecological assessments.

Membership of CIEEM or willingness to work towards this.

Full UK driving licence.

For senior level, you will additionally demonstrate:

Significant consultancy-based ornithological experience.

Proven ability to manage projects and client relationships.

Experience reviewing technical work and supporting junior team members.

Strong understanding of planning policy, impact assessment and mitigation strategies.

Excellent communication and project management skills.

What you'll get in return

Competitive salary of £30,000 - £45,000 (DOE)

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

Generous annual leave allowance.

Professional membership subscriptions.

Continuous professional development and training support.

Paid volunteering opportunities.

Excellent career progression pathways.

Company pension scheme and additional employee benefits.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

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