Environmental Specialist - Marine Mammal Specialist

Location: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Orkney

Employment Type: We welcome applications from candidates interested in either staff or contract opportunities.

What we’re looking for and what you’ll do

Our Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultancy offering has grown significantly in recent years, supporting gigawatt scale and first of a kind offshore wind developments and complex EIA and HRA assessments across multiple sectors. We are looking for a recognised leader and subject matter expert in marine mammal ecology and environmental consenting to take ownership of our technical offering, mentor and develop colleagues, and act as a trusted adviser to clients and project teams and help shape industry best practice.

You will be recognised within your field and comfortable operating at the interface between technical excellence, project delivery and client relationships. Working alongside our established team of technical specialists, EIA coordinators and project managers, you will provide oversight and guidance on complex marine mammal assessments.

This role offers the opportunity to join a growing and well-established team working at the forefront of the energy transition. You will have the opportunity to influence major infrastructure projects, contribute to industry initiatives and play a role in defining how environmental assessments are delivered across an evolving energy landscape.

Who we are

Xodus Group is an international, multi-disciplinary energy consultancy, founded on an integrated approach to engineering and environmental challenges. Our expert environmental, engineering, and advisory teams support clients across the globe using innovative thinking to overcome challenges, promote sustainability, minimise environmental impacts and maximise return on investment.

We work across the energy sector addressing the global mix of energy infrastructure projects and innovative technology opportunities. Xodus has been established for 20 years, with more than 600 experts working across the globe. We support the industry from early project development through to consenting, engineering, construction, operation and late life and decommissioning. Our environmental consultants, engineers, analysts and advisers work together to find the optimal solutions for our clients, considering the technical, logistical, commercial, political, regulatory, and environmental factors.

The Environment Division at Xodus provides scientific, consenting, advisory and strategic consultancy, alongside our engineering and advisory colleagues to deliver truly integrated solutions.  We combine a range of technical specialists with the right skills to work with and solve our clients’ challenges. We embed trust, fairness, and equality at the core of our organisation, to allow our people to thrive.

Ultimately, we bring enthusiastic, motivated people together who all understand how energy solutions can be technically, economically, ethically, and environmentally sustainable. We want everyone at Xodus to feel they truly belong and can bring their perspectives and ideas to work. Our focus on creating and sustaining an inclusive culture is to ensure everyone feels valued and empowered to be their best.

Role Summary

As the Subject Matter Expert for marine mammal ecology, you will provide strategic leadership and expert advice on complex environmental assessment and consenting programmes across the marine and offshore sectors.

You will oversee the technical delivery of major projects, guide multidisciplinary teams, and act as a trusted adviser to clients, regulators and industry stakeholders. As a senior member of the Environment Team, you will help shape business strategy, drive growth, advance technical excellence and support the development of future leaders within the business.

Responsibilities

• Act as the recognised subject matter expert for marine mammal ecology and assessment, providing strategic technical leadership on environmental assessment and consenting programmes.
• Provide Director/Sponsor-level oversight, technical assurance and governance for major offshore and marine infrastructure consenting projects.
• Provide strategic advice on complex marine mammal ecology, environmental assessment and consenting challenges.
• Drive technical innovation, best practice and thought leadership in marine mammal assessment and the wider EIA delivery line.
• Direct and coordinate multidisciplinary technical teams across complex projects and programmes.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, regulators and statutory consultees, acting as a strategic adviser on complex environmental and consenting challenges.
• Contribute to the growth, strategic direction and capability development of the EIA and consenting business.
• Lead strategic business development activities, including identifying market opportunities, developing new services, expanding client relationships and supporting framework, tender and cross-selling opportunities.
• Lead, mentor and develop technical specialists and project managers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation and collaboration.
• Represent the business externally through industry engagement, technical forums, conferences and professional networks, enhancing the organisation's profile and influence within the sector.

Requirements

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Significant demonstrated experience as a marine mammal specialist in offshore environmental assessment, offshore wind, tidal, or marine energy consenting or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record in leading and project managing complex consenting projects including EIA and HRA relevant ecology receptor assessments for offshore projects, as well as protected species licensing.
• Master’s degree or higher in marine biology, ecology, zoology, quantitative ecology, or related field.
• Expert working knowledge of mitigation measures to reduce impacts on marine mammals.
• Confident and collaborative communicator with excellent analytical and writing skills.

Desirable Skills

• Active engagement in industry for a, working groups and conferences.
• Experience in influencing industry guidance, policy or best practice.
• Experience in other receptor topics such as ornithology, fish and shellfish, etc.

Benefits

Why you should join us:

• We are a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming place to work.
• We work flexibly at Xodus which means how you work your day is flexible with a combination of working in the office and at home.
• It goes without saying that we offer a Market Competitive Salary to ensure that you know your efforts and inputs are valued.
• We offer a Company pension scheme to allow you to save for your future.
• Access to training and development opportunities.
• We have enhanced parental and shared parental leave pay policies available from day one of employment.
• We have a number of comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits available for you and your family, including, Private Medical Insurance, Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Income Protection and Life Insurance.
• We ensure there is always something fun to look forward to in the social calendar. From the summer BBQ, Christmas Party, taking part in charitable events or suggesting your own social idea, we celebrate everyone’s