Offshore Ornithological Specialist/Developer

RES is one of the world's leading renewable energy developers. Drawing on decades of experience in the renewable energy and construction industries, RES has the expertise to develop, construct and operate large-scale wind farms of outstanding quality. RES has now passed the 4000MW milestone and our enviable track record in project delivery has given us a reputation for excellence that is second to none.

RES has a dedicated offshore development, engineering, construction and operations team which has successfully participated in UK Rounds 1 and 2 and which RES is expanding to meet the future opportunities in the UK and European offshore wind sector.

 The Role

The Offshore Development Team undertakes the full range of environmental, technical and commercial activities that are required for the identification, development and consent of offshore wind farm projects.  Delivering successful projects from initiation to realisation requires a multidisciplinary development team in which engineering plays a significant role. 

Due to increasing workload we are looking to expand the development capabilities of the offshore department.  You will be a member of the Offshore Development Department and will work with the development team managing aspects of environmental impact assessments throughout the development phase of an offshore wind energy project, and in particular, the ornithological aspects of the impact assessment. You will be required to have an excellent understanding of the ornithological issues surrounding offshore wind farm development, which will be necessary to effectively manage specialist ornithological sub-contractors.

You will also work with other members of the project team to ensure clarity and efficiency in the following areas of responsibility:

• Production of Planning Applications and Environmental Statements for the development of UK offshore wind farm opportunities
• Working directly with the Project Development Manager and other team members to progress developments efficiently and according to programme
• Assist in the development of project budgets and programmes
• Assist the management of the Environmental Impact Assessment process including review, edit and production of the Environment Statement for onshore and offshore works
• Scope, tender, commission necessary EIA survey works. Manage specialist consultants and contractors.
• Liaise with statutory consultees and work directly with them to resolve particular environmental issues where they arise.
• Stakeholder and public consultations including attendance at public exhibitions including commissioning the production of exhibition materials. Respond to queries on consents applications as required
• Provision of environmental advice on site identification and selection and commissioning of feasibility studies for future sites and opportunities
• Cross-project lead on a core environmental topic(s) (such as ornithology, marine ecology, archaeology)
• Provide technical and non technical support to general business development activities

The role will require some travel within the UK and Europe.

The Person

Degree qualification or equivalent in a relevant discipline, preferably Environmental Management, or Environmental science. Candidates should have proven ability in contributing to or leading Environmental Impact Assessments.  Previous experience in managing ornithological impact assessment or providing ornithological consultancy services is essential. Furthermore, previous experience of the offshore sector and/or knowledge of the wind industry, particularly in relation to offshore development would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate that they have the following capabilities:

• Relevant experience in managing ornithological issues
• Good understanding of ornithological impact assessment tools including matrix analysis, collision risk assessment, cumulative impact assessment and population viability analysis
• Good understanding of ornithological survey techniques including boat-based and aerial techniques
• Relevant experience in marine environmental matters
• Good all-round knowledge and experience of project managing Environmental Impact Assessments and planning consents, particularly for offshore wind farms
• Proven experience in commissioning and managing onshore and offshore environmental survey works
• Project management skills including a proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders, using internal staff, subcontractors and consultants
• Good, relevant environmental degree plus sound numerical ability, IT and written English skills
• Ideally to have established, positive relationships with key statutory consultees A self-starter attitude with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills including report writing, presentation and the ability to speak confidently with clients, consultants, contractors and stakeholders.
• The ability to manage workload and meet demanding timescales on a number of projects simultaneously.
• A current UK driving licence is required.

Closing date: 16/07/2010