About FPCR
Established in 1957, FPCR is one of the UK's leading environment and design consultancies. Our multidisciplinary teams work across landscape architecture, ecology, urban design, masterplanning, architecture and arboriculture, delivering award-winning projects throughout the UK.
As an employee-owned business, we are committed to creating an engaging, supportive and rewarding workplace where people can develop long-term careers.
Why join FPCR?
Our team members can develop their career in a supportive environment, working on nationally significant and award-winning projects and collaborating with experts across multiple disciplines.
Benefits include:
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Compressed working week
- Employee Ownership Trust benefits
- Discretionary annual tax-free bonus
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Health cash plan
- Pension contributions
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Professional membership support
- Ongoing CPD and training opportunities
About the Role
We are looking to recruit two Ornithologists within our Lockington, Exeter, Wareham or Dorking offices with a strong track record in delivering ornithological assessments for on-shore and off-shore wind energy schemes to join our talented team of ecologists, landscape architects, and environmental planners.
Key Responsibilities
- Designing and undertaking or overseeing ornithological survey methodologies including Vantage Point (VP) surveys, breeding/wintering bird surveys, Wetland Bird Surveys (WeBS), and species-specific or intertidal assessments.
- Keeping meticulous field notes and plans in accordance with guidelines and best practice, and storing data effectively.
- Field data interpretation and undertaking Collision Risk Modelling (CRM) assessments and spatial displacement analyses.
- Writing and reviewing high-quality technical reports including stand-alone bird reports, Bird Species Management Plans, Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessments (sHRA) for wind energy schemes, and ornithological input into Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) chapters.
- Management of project schedules, field budgets, and junior team members to ensure data standards and full compliance with survey guidelines and environmental regulations.
- Acting as the ornithological point of contact, providing advice to clients, stakeholders, and project teams, and representing clients in discussions with statutory bodies to agree survey scopes and mitigation strategies.
- Supporting the completion of other ecological survey types as appropriate to your skill set and career goals e.g. water vole and otter, badger, bats, habitats etc.
- Mentoring and supporting staff with an interest in Ornithology, sharing your knowledge and expertise to foster their professional development.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies
Skills and Experience
- Professional ornithological experience in the public or private sector, including a proven track record with on-shore and off-shore wind projects.
- Excellent bird identification skills and experience in a range of ornithology surveys and techniques (e.g. vantage points, breeding & wintering birds, raptors, farmland and waders).
- Good theoretical grounding in ecology, survey guidance, environmental assessment and mitigation measures.
- Demonstrable understanding of UK wildlife legislation, the conservation status of UK bird species, planning policy, and the conservation frameworks surrounding Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and SSSIs.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team of colleagues, in the office and away from home.
- Willingness to travel for work, including unsociable hours, particularly during the spring and summer months.
- Experienced in writing reports, ensuring high standards and good attention to detail.
- An understanding of scientific data collection methods, data analysis, and an aptitude for accurate and clear recording and storage of data.
- Ideally a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- Membership, or eligibility for membership with a relevant professional body is desirable but not essential (e.g., CIEEM).
- Experience using GIS software would be advantageous, but not a necessity.
- A full UK driving licence and access to vehicle.
Are you interested in working for FPCR?
If you're interested in joining FPCR and contributing to exciting projects across the UK, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your application and CV using the link below.
We strongly encourage all candidates to contact FPCR directly rather than applying via third parties.
If you have any questions about the role or working at FPCR, please contact our HR Manager at [email protected].
Deadline for Applications
The deadline for applications is subject to change, depending on level of interest. If you are interested in a position with us, an early application is advised. These will be reviewed as they come in, rather than waiting for the deadline.
Equal Opportunities
FPCR is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.