The RPS Group is the largest Planning and Environmental consultancy in Europe, employing over 300 Planners and
Environmentalists, with over 5,000 staff worldwide.
We are one of the UK's leading providers of ecological support to the renewables industry. Combined with our work across a wide range of other sectors, we are a strong, diverse and sustainable ecology business, with room for employees to build a long-term career at the forefront of ecological consulting. At RPS, you will have the opportunity to work in a stimulating environment, to deliver some of the most important renewable energy projects in Europe.
We wish to appoint a Senior or Principal Ornithologist or Ecologist to provide overarching scientific and statistical support to our existing, highly experienced, ecology team.
Job Title: Senior/Principal Ornithologist or Ecologist
Location: Glasgow/Edinburgh
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Closing Date: Friday 7 November 2014
Typical activities will include:
- Undertaking analysis and statistical assessment of ecological data, and producing technical reports
based on these analyses;
- Design and implementation of complex ecological and habitat surveys;
- Liaising with and providing high quality technical support and statistical advice to all our
clients, directly and working with RPS colleagues across variousUK offices;
- Contributing to the delivery of our wide range of renewable and other projects;
- Writing/contributing to/reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulation
Appraisals;
- Management of projects, programmes of field surveys and budgets;
- Contributing to the future growth and strategy of the Scottish Ecology Team.
We are keen to hear from motivated and enthusiastic ornithologists/ecologists with the following technical capabilities:
- Statistical analysis skills using R (or similar), with a knowledge and ability to interpret and
present data appropriately;
- Advanced analysis techniques (e.g. population modelling, GLM, GAM, Distance Sampling, Density
Surface Modelling);
- Technical writing skills;
- A thorough understanding of ecology/ornithology;
- Previous experience of conducting ecological studies and surveys;
- A degree in a relevant subject, and a post-graduate qualification or equivalent experience.
As well as these technical capabilities and expertise, you will also need:
- An interest in or aptitude for project management;
- Strong communication skills; confident and articulate in face-to-face, telephone and written communications;
- To be a good team worker, reliable and able to rapidly establish a high degree of trust and
rapport with all clients and stakeholders;
- To be self-motivated and disciplined, with the ability to work to tight deadlines;
- Good attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining and enhancing our high standards of
delivery, quality and accuracy;
- To be highly computer literate;
- To be willing to travel, on occasion, for work;
- A full UK driving licence.
Desirable attributes include:
- Knowledge of legislation and policy in relation to UK
conservation and designated sites;
- Knowledge of the application and consent process for onshore and offshore wind farms in theUK;
- Experience of writing EIAs and HRAs, preferably for the onshore and/or offshore renewables industry;
- Experience of preparing tenders and marketing;
- A working knowledge habitats and protected species legislation;
- A working knowledge of a programming language (eg Python, R, SQL)
- A record of academic publication
To apply please send your CV and a covering letter to Jessica.Norcliffe@rpsgroup.com.
Please contact Martin Scott (ScottM@rpsgroup.com) with any questions regarding the role.
Strictly No Agencies
We are an equal opportunities employer.
