HiDef Aerial Surveying Limited (HiDef) is known for its market leading, innovative digital aerial surveys, which have been deployed in ten countries. We are expanding rapidly across all of our services, combining technical and scientific excellence and it is crucial to the company that we continue to lead in the innovation of new products based upon credible science and deliver all of our services in a consistent and efficient manner. We work on a range of projects ranging from our digital aerial surveys, ornithological and marine mammal statistical analysis and research and development projects in fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, often with our sister company BioConsult SH in Germany, Biotope in France, other partners, and domain experts.
Our Vision: to provide trusted, high quality environmental data, analysis, and consultancy to support decision-making for the renewables industry and conservation.
Our Mission: to be a leading marine environmental consultancy for the global offshore renewables industry.
HiDef’s Consultancy Team comprises experienced Marine Ecologists, Ornithologists, Data Scientists and Statisticians who work together to deliver high-quality consultancy, research and impact assessment projects. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Consultant with strong ornithological expertise and significant EIA and HRA experience to lead and deliver technical projects, particularly within the offshore renewables sector. The role will involve providing expert technical input to ornithological and environmental assessments, managing client relationships, engaging with regulators and stakeholders, supporting business development activities, and opportunities for fieldwork.
The successful candidate will also contribute to the continued growth and development of HiDef’s scientific and research profile. This may include identifying opportunities for collaboration, contributing to funded research initiatives, supporting technical innovation and working with partner organisations across the Alliance for Nature (e.g. BioConsult SH in Germany, Biotope in France, Strix in Portugal).
This role would suit a scientifically curious and forward-thinking individual who is motivated by solving complex environmental challenges and who wants to play an influential role in the future growth and technical direction of an expanding Consultancy Team.
This position could be based at HiDef’s head office in Workington, Cumbria, or in our Edinburgh office, we also have options for hybrid and home working. Travel within the UK will be a requirement of this role. Occasional travel outside of the UK may also be required.
The Role:
The role includes but is not limited to:
· Lead and deliver high-quality ornithological consultancy projects, with a particular focus on offshore infrastructure, ensuring technical excellence and regulatory compliance throughout project lifecycles;
· Provide technical leadership on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and wider environmental assessment work, including interpretation of relevant policy, guidance and legislation;
· Provide technical specialist input for ornithology projects
· Co-ordinate and managing input from the HiDef Consultancy Team (Ecological Consultants and Data Scientists) as part of project delivery;
· Lead the preparation, review and quality assurance of technical reports, ensuring outputs are scientifically robust, clear and delivered to agreed timescales and budgets.
· Participate in ornithology fieldwork, as appropriate;
· Manage and develop strong relationships with clients, regulators, stakeholders and project partners, acting as a trusted technical advisor;
· Represent the Company at client meetings, technical workshops, stakeholder consultations and industry events;
· Support business development activities, including identifying opportunities, contributing to proposals and tenders, and helping to secure new work;
· Contribute to the strategic growth and technical direction of the consultancy team, including identifying opportunities for innovation and service development;
· Support and contribute to research and development initiatives, including collaborative projects with partner organisations across the Alliance for Nature;
· Maintain awareness of emerging scientific approaches, regulatory developments and industry best practice relating to ornithology, EIA, HRA and offshore renewables;
· Mentor, support and supervise junior and mid-level staff, providing technical guidance, constructive feedback and opportunities for professional development;
· Line manage team members where required, including supporting performance development, training and wellbeing;
· Preparing abstracts for, and presenting at, relevant conferences;
· Delivering other work, including projects commissioned by the statutory nature conservation bodies, which may involve internal cross-team working (e.g. HiDef’s Innovation Team);
· Promote a collaborative and inclusive team culture, encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the business;
· Assist in resource planning and project allocation to support efficient delivery across the consultancy team;
· Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with Company quality management procedures, health and safety requirements and professional standards; and
· Any other duties as the company may reasonably see fit.
The successful candidate will need:
Qualifications
· Degree in Ecology, Ornithology, Environmental Science or a related discipline;
· Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject;
· Full membership of an appropriate professional body (for example, CIEEM) or working towards chartership/accreditation; and
Skills & Knowledge
· Strong technical knowledge of ornithology, particularly in relation to offshore renewables and environmental impact assessment;
· Detailed understanding of EIA, HRA and relevant UK and European environmental legislation, policy and guidance;
· Excellent report writing, technical review and quality assurance skills;
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to interpret complex ecological and ornithological data;
· Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences;
· Strong project management skills, including programme management, budgeting and resource coordination;
· Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with clients, regulators and colleagues;
· Commercial awareness and an understanding of consultancy project delivery;
· Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams while also managing independent responsibilities;
· Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively;
· Proactive and forward-thinking approach, with an interest in innovation, research and continuous improvement; and
· Competent user of Microsoft Office applications and relevant ecological or statistical software packages.
Experience
· Significant professional experience (minimum 5 years) in ornithological consultancy, ideally within the offshore renewables sector;
· Demonstrable experience leading ornithological input into EIA and HRA projects;
· Experience managing complex technical projects from inception through to completion;
· Experience of client liaison and stakeholder engagement, including working with regulators and statutory nature conservation bodies;
· Proven experience in technical report writing, review and quality assurance;
· Experience supporting business development activities, including proposal and tender preparation;
· Experience mentoring, supervising or line managing technical staff;
· Experience working within multidisciplinary consultancy teams;
· Experience planning and organising ornithological fieldwork is advantageous;
· Knowledge of digital aerial survey methodologies and associated assessment approaches would be advantageous;
· Experience contributing to research projects, scientific publications or technical innovation initiatives would be beneficial;
· Experienced team worker and remote team management (desirable); and
· Relevant accreditation (desirable).
Other
· Willingness to travel when required.
Benefits / Remuneration:
· Starting salary from £50,733.06 per annum.
· Working hours are based on 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday 08:00-17:00.
· Full flexibility – office-based, hybrid, or working from home (with requirement to travel as required)
· 33 days annual leaver per annum, including public holidays.
· 4% company pension contribution.
· Full-time, permanent contract.
· Private medical and dental care plan.
· Company sickness pay allowance.
· Cycle to work scheme and help towards the purchase of ultra-low emission vehicles.
· Group Life Assurance scheme.
How to Apply: Principal Consultant – HiDef Aerial Surveying Limited
Closing date: Friday 25th September 2026, 16:00
HiDef is proud to be an inclusive company and People are at the heart of how we deliver our services. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.
