Graduate Ornithologist

Description:

SLR are looking for a graduate ornithologist to join our highly successful and expanding ecology team in Scotland.

The role will involve field surveys on a wide range of sites, as well as report writing, to assist our growing portfolio of renewable energy projects across Scotland. Depending on your experience level, there would be opportunities to gain and develop experience of a variety of survey types and methodologies, with a range of rare and specially protected species and in some diverse and wild landscapes.

The successful candidate can be based in either our Stirling, Inverness, Edinburgh or Glasgow offices, with the option for hybrid working. As a part of our specialist ornithology services division, you will receive support from highly experienced professionals to develop your skills and meet your career aspirations.

The role

Duties will include:

• Assisting with ornithology surveys, following a range of survey methodologies and techniques
• Keeping accurate field notes (including in digital format) in accordance with the principles of scientific data collection and handling, recording and storing data effectively
• Data analysis and presentation, desk-based study and collating relevant available data and drafting technical reports
• Undertaking other survey types as appropriate to your skill set and career goals e.g. water vole and otter, badger, bats, habitats etc.

Due to the nature of client sites and survey types, the position will involve remote working and some out-of-hours work.

About us

SLR are global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with more than 3,000 employees across 6 regions – including over 1,000 staff across Europe. SLR’s ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business; providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.

Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, critical illness cover and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 day’s annual leave, SLR offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, and our family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and family life. High quality optical equipment for surveys is provided.

About you

You will be a recent graduate with a relevant degree such as Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent and demonstrate
• Excellent bird identification skills and the ability to demonstrate experience/understanding in a range of ornithology survey techniques (e.g. vantage points, moorland breeding birds, raptors)
• An understanding of scientific data collection methods and an aptitude for accurate and clear recording and storage of data
• Theoretical grounding in ecology, survey guidance and environmental assessment
• Some understanding of Scottish wildlife legislation and the conservation status of UK bird species
• Any field experience working in remote upland environments, across all seasons would be an advantage

If you are interested, and hold a full UK driving licence, we would love to hear from you.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SLR

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional DE&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all individuals regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently underrepresented at SLR, such as: LGBTQ+ people, ethic minority groups, women, and individuals with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.

Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR