Hays
Senior Ornithologist / Ecologist

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Your new company
An established and rapidly growing environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist / Ornithologist to join its expanding team.
Operating across a diverse portfolio of projects including residential, infrastructure, renewable energy and mixed-use developments, the business is recognised for delivering high-quality environmental advice and innovative solutions throughout the planning and development process.
Your new role
As a Senior Ecologist / Ornithologist, you will play a key role in delivering a range of ecological and ornithological projects across the UK. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will manage projects from inception through to completion, providing technical expertise, client support and mentoring to junior team members.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading ornithological and ecological surveys and assessments.
- Managing breeding bird, wintering bird and species-specific survey programmes.
- Producing a range of technical reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and ornithological assessments.
- Advising clients on ecological legislation, planning policy and mitigation strategies.
- Supporting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and habitat management initiatives.
- Managing project budgets, programmes and stakeholder relationships.
- Providing technical guidance and mentoring to junior colleagues.
- Contributing to business development and helping to secure new project opportunities.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you'll need to succeed
To be considered for this position, you should have:
- A degree in Ecology, Ornithology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
- Significant experience within ecological consultancy.
- Strong ornithological survey and assessment experience.
- Excellent knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
- Experience managing ecological projects and client relationships.
- Membership of CIEEM or working towards Chartered status.
- Strong technical report writing skills.
- A full UK driving licence.
Desirable experience includes:


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- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
- UKHab surveys and habitat management planning.
- Protected species licences.
- EIA experience.
What you'll get in return
- Competitive salary of £34,000 - £45,000 (DOE) and annual salary reviews.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Professional membership fees paid.
- Structured training and CPD support.
- Pension scheme and additional employee benefits.
- Clear pathways for career progression.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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