Reporting to: Ecology Business Manager
Location: Perth or Glasgow, Scotland - Hybrid Working Available

About Us

We’re a close-knit team who care deeply about creating sustainable, practical solutions for development. Our work isn’t just about ticking boxes - it’s about making a positive impact on the environment while helping clients navigate the challenges of responsible development.

Our new leadership team is focused on creating an environment where you feel supported, valued, and empowered to shape the way we work.

The Role

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Ecologist (Ornithology) to join our team, working closely with other disciplines, including our Construction & Aquatics, and Hydrology teams across the UK.

In this role, you will lead ornithology projects, providing specialist advice while collaborating with our team of expert ecologists and consultants to ensure projects are delivered to the highest standards. You will scope, design, and lead ornithological surveys, contributing your expertise to inform environmental assessments and management plans, with the full support of our senior leadership and business support staff.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about shaping the direction of our Ecology team, enjoys problem-solving, and values building strong relationships with clients.

If you are enthusiastic about developing others, you will have the opportunity to line manage and mentor our talented graduates and aspiring consultants, sharing your specialist knowledge to empower the next generation of ecologists.

What You 'll Do

We are looking for a Senior Ecologist (Ornithology) to be involved with our diverse client base through:

• Leading and managing ornithology aspects of projects, providing technical advice to both internal colleagues and clients.
• Leading on ornithology surveys, following appropriate methodologies and techniques.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, with clear data analysis and presentation, including input into a range of ornithology deliverables. This will include desk studies, survey reports, Preliminary Ecology Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Biodiversity chapters of EIAs and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and Mitigation Strategies.
• Business generation and the preparation of quotations and proposals for new business opportunities.
• Consulting with sub-contractors and interdisciplinary teams.
• Ensure the steady progression of projects by coordinating with clients, and both in-house teams and external contractors.
• Mentor and support colleagues, helping to develop company processes and efficiencies.
• Operating at all times in accordance with the CIEEM/IEMA/CIWEM/IFM Professional Code of Conduct.

What We 're Looking For

Essential:

• Relevant degree or master’s qualification - ecological/environmental
• Membership with CIEEM, ideally working towards Chartership
• Strong theoretical knowledge of ecology, survey guidance, and environmental assessment.
• Have a track record of scoping and undertaking breeding and non-breeding bird surveys for large sites.
• A genuine passion for ornithology, demonstrated by excellent bird identification skills and experience across a range of ornithology survey techniques (e.g., vantage points, moorland breeding birds, raptors).
• A solid understanding of scientific data collection methods, with an aptitude for accurate, clear recording and secure data storage.
• Advanced understanding of the EIA process and methods
• Comprehensive understanding of the legislative and planning policy framework and the conservation status of UK bird species
• Strong report writing and reviewing capabilities with attention to detail
• Experience in preparing fee proposals and quotations
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Able to prioritise workloads and work under time pressure with changing work requirements
• High-level written and verbal communication skills both internally and with clients/stakeholders
• Proven track record of CPD
• Full, clean UK driving licence

Desirable:

• Experience of PM software (WorkflowMax would be advantageous)
• Holder of a CSCS or EMSS Safety Passport card
• LANTRA 4x4 training
• Emergency Outdoor First Aid

What We Offer

We’re committed to developing our team and supporting their ambitions. You’ll benefit from:

• 20 days per annum CPD
• Paid Professional Membership
• 25 days per year plus the standard Scottish bank holidays (normally 9 days). Enhanced with service length
• Paid Lunch
• Flexible Toil/Balancing Hours policy
• Private healthcare plan
• Company Pension Contribution
• Excellent career progression opportunities

Note relocation package (within the UK) may be available for the right candidate.

Additional Information

For this role, you must have evidence of the right to work in the UK.

Our other screening checks can include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, any criminal records, and references from previous employers. The screening that takes place will be relevant to your role.

Contact

To apply or obtain more details on the above position, please send your CV and cover letter to careers@gavia-environmental.co.uk.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £32,000.00-£48,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime

Education:

• Bachelor’s (preferred)

Experience:

• Consultancy: 2 years (preferred)

Language:

• English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Perth PH1 3FX