Ornithologist

We are looking to recruit an experienced Ornithologist to sit within our existing team of ecological consultants at various offices around the country. Are you an Ornithologist looking for the next step up in your career? Do you want to join an established consultancy practice who pride themselves in offering a great place to work? If so, we would love to hear from you.

You will play a pivotal role in collaborating with our talented team of ecologists, landscape architects, and environmental planners.

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Assisting with and leading on ornithology surveys, following a range of survey methodologies and techniques.
2. Keeping meticulous field notes and plans in accordance with guidelines and best practice, and storing data effectively. 
3. Data analysis and presentation, desk-based study collating relevant available data and drafting technical reports
4. Experience of undertaking Ecological Impact Assessments on sensitive species/sites/populations and completing Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessments would be desirable. 
5. 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
6. Providing advice on ecological and ornithological matters to clients, stakeholders, and project teams
7. Mentoring and supporting staff with an interest in Ornithology, sharing your knowledge and expertise to foster their professional development
8. Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies

About you

1. Professional ornithological experience in the public or private sector would be advantageous. 
2. Ideally a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
3. Excellent bird identification skills and the ability to demonstrate experience in a range of ornithology surveys and techniques (e.g. vantage points, breeding & wintering birds, raptors, farmland and waders).
4. Experience of working and navigating safely in remote environments, across all seasons, including in inclement weather.
5. Willingness to travel for work, including unsociable hours, particularly during the spring and summer months.
6. Good theoretical grounding in ecology, survey guidance, environmental assessment and mitigation measures 
7. Demonstrable understanding of UK wildlife legislation and the conservation status of UK bird species.
8. Experienced in writing reports, ensuring high standards and good attention to detail.
9. Experienced in writing or assisting with Habitat Regulation Assessments for SPA impacts would be advantageous but not essential.
10. An understanding of scientific data collection methods, data analysis, and an aptitude for accurate and clear recording and storage of data.
11. Ability to work collaboratively with a team of colleagues, in the office and away from home.
12. Membership, or eligibility for membership, with a relevant professional body is desirable but not essential (e.g., CIEEM).
13. Experience using GIS software would be advantageous, but not a necessity.
14. A full UK driving licence and access to vehicle.

Why FPCR? 

FPCR Environment and Design Ltd is one of the UK’s leading integrated design practices working extensively throughout the UK. Over the last 60 years the practice has developed a valuable mix of multi-disciplinary expertise in masterplanning, environmental assessment, urban design, landscape, ecology, architecture, arboriculture and green infrastructure. Working together, we have implemented many award-winning schemes in environmentally sensitive locations. 

Our ecology team is led by four directors who each joined the company in junior positions and are committed to providing the same supportive and fostering environment that is at the heart of our practice. Our team of over 120 ecologists work out of six offices across the UK. 

Could you be one of the experienced, talented and energetic professionals helping to continue the development of the team, responding to our clients and keeping FPCR moving forwards whilst responding to new challenges in ecological practice? The positions provide the right candidates with an ideal opportunity to be a part of a motivated team offering technical advice to a diverse range of clients covering projects across all aspects of ecology. 

What you can expect in return: 

Salary: £23,000 - £32,000 dependent on experience. 

Our employees really are our greatest asset, representing a wide range of skills and experience from across the field of UK ecology. We are proud to offer our staff at all levels the opportunity to pursue their individual interests as this helps us to facilitate shared learning across our practice. 

We are offering a competitive salary with the opportunity for annual bonuses, enrolment on our pension scheme and 25 days holiday, compressed working week and a holiday purchase system. Everyone is enrolled in a BUPA health and wellbeing cashback scheme. Staff well-being is very important to us, and the teams frequently have a range of volunteering and social activities going on.

FPCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their race or gender.

If you feel you are the right candidate, or feel you can offer FPCR’s ecology team other relevant experience and skills, please submit your CV along with a covering letter, together with any supporting documentation that you feel may be of interest. 

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

ABOUT FPCR

Established in 1957, FPCR are an award winning multi-disciplinary environment and design practice with expertise in Landscape, Urban Design, Masterplanning, Architecture, Ecology and Arboriculture. We believe our diverse range of skills provide clients with an excellent rounded approach to projects while concurrently providing our staff with a dynamic and diverse place to work.