Principal Consultant

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 across all of our services, combining technical and scientific excellence, and its 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 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.

Our Values: our shared values – Innovative, Supportive, and Honest, sit at the heart of our company culture and impact everything we do.

Quality lies at the heart of HiDef’s services and following a growth of business the company is looking to recruit a Principal Consultant to join our busy Consultancy Science team. This position within the company offers significant opportunities for the right person who will be enthusiastic, methodical, diligent, and an excellent team player with effective communication skills and a willingness to learn.

Location: this position will be based at our Head Office in Lillyhall, Cumbria or in our Edinburgh office with the option of hybrid working as appropriate.

The Role:

The role includes but is not limited to:

• Client liaison and support;

• Project scheduling and ensuring delivery to time;

• EIA scoping and HRA screening, including preparation and review of reports;

• Pre-application engagement with stakeholders, leading on the relevant technical input (ornithology primarily) for the client;

• Reviewing of formal Scoping Opinions issued by Regulators and advice to client on addressing ornithology requirements (including completion of gap analysis spreadsheets);

• Preparing assessments for application submission, including ES chapters (marine ornithology), associated technical appendices, HRA reports and cumulative / in combination impact assessments;

• Inputting to the development and delivery of internal research and development projects undertaken by HiDef;

• Co-ordinating and managing input from the HiDef Consultancy Team (ecological consultants and data scientists);

• Line management of team members;

• Delivering other work, including projects commissioned by the statutory nature conservation bodies, which may involve internal cross-team working (e.g. HiDef’s Technology Team);

• QA and QC of team deliverables;

• Contributing to relevant cross-company working groups managed through the Joint Innovation Committee (JINCO);

• Providing advice on baseline and post-consent survey design and analysis;

• Inputting, as required, to business development tasks, including technical writing for bids; and

• Any other duties as the company may reasonably see fit.

The successful candidate will need:

Qualifications

• Higher degree in a relevant field (e.g. Ecology, Environmental Science, Marine Biology).

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of marine ecology, particularly ornithology;

• Excellent knowledge and experience of EIA and HRA process;

• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail and a pro-active nature;

• Ability to organise, coordinate and prioritise their own workload and that of others to ensure key deliverables are met;

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, at all levels and with a variety of stakeholders;

• Ability to work effectively as a team member and independently, working under minimal supervision and managing time efficiently;

• Adaptable with the ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks;

• IT proficient; including MS Office applications; and

• Good knowledge of the offshore renewables industry.

Experience

• Substantial experience in a comparable / relevant role;

• Demonstrable relevant experience of impact assessments (EIA/HRA) for offshore renewables development;

• Project management experience, with knowledge of the full project lifecycle;

• Stakeholder communications, through meetings, workshops and events; and

• Experienced team worker and remote team management (desirable).

Benefits / Remuneration:

• Salary, starting from circa £48,500 p.a.

• Competitive, discretionary profit share scheme.

• Full-time, permanent position.

• Working hours are based on Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00.

• 33 days annual leave per annum, including public holidays.

• 4% company pension contribution.

• Private medical and dental care scheme.

• Medicash scheme.

• Group Life Assurance.

• Company sick pay allowance.

• Salary sacrifice scheme including Pension Salary Exchange, Cycle to Work scheme, and help towards the purchase of ultra-low emission vehicles.

How to Apply:

Use the 'Apply Now' button to make your application.

Closing date: Friday 24th January 2025, 10am

HiDef is proud to be an inclusive company, and people are at the heart to how we deliver our services. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.