Principal Consultant
- 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 leave 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.
- Closing date: Friday 25th September 2026, 16:00
HiDef Aerial Surveying Limited (the Company) is recognised for delivering market-leading and innovative Digital Aerial Surveys (DAS), field-based ornithological surveys and robust environmental consultancy services across the offshore renewables sector and beyond. Our DAS technologies have been successfully deployed in ten countries, supporting nationally significant offshore infrastructure projects and contributing to evidence-led environmental decision-making.
As a business, we are committed to scientific excellence, technical rigour, and innovation across all areas of our work. We are proud to be at the forefront of advancing ornithological survey methodologies, wildlife assessment techniques and environmental analytics, helping to shape sustainable development whilst protecting the natural environment.
Our Vision: to provide trusted, high quality environmental data, analysis, and consultancy to support decision-making for the renewables industry and conservation.
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.
Full details of the job role, including benefits and renumeration, can be found via:
Principal Consultant – HiDef Aerial Surveying Limited or contact HR@hidefsurveying.co.uk
Closing date: Friday 25th September 2026, 16:00