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Environmental & Biodiversity Specialist

Nadara Portugal Added on Sep 10, 2026
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As an Environmental & Biodiversity Specialist at Nadara, you will take full ownership of the ecological integrity of onshore wind and solar assets across Europe and the US. You will move beyond high-level strategy to manage the technical reality of environmental permits, Natura 2000 compliance, and local wildlife protection systems. Your day-to-day involves overseeing fauna detection technology and coordinating site-specific biodiversity action plans to ensure that renewable energy production does not come at the expense of local ecosystems.

This role is critical because it bridges the gap between clean energy generation and active nature conservation. By fine-tuning camera-based turbine shutdowns and bird deterrent systems, you directly mitigate the most sensitive impacts of the energy transition. You will be the guardian of the living energy philosophy, ensuring that renewable infrastructure harmonizes with protected flora and fauna while maintaining the highest regulatory standards.

This suits someone who possesses deep technical knowledge of ornithological and chiropteran monitoring and thrives in a role that balances complex EU environmental legislation with hands-on field inspections and stakeholder negotiations.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves ensuring all operational and development sites comply with EU environmental legislation, specifically Natura 2000 and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) frameworks. You will be the primary contact for environmental authorities, managing the submission of follow-up action plans and regulatory reports. Beyond administrative compliance, you will oversee the implementation of fauna detection and protection systems, such as radar and acoustic deterrents for birds and bats. You are responsible for developing Environmental Management Plans (EMP) that cover the entire lifecycle of an asset, from construction through to decommissioning, ensuring that ecological monitoring programs are scientifically rigorous and operationally effective.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain significant exposure to cutting-edge wildlife monitoring technologies, including camera-based automatic turbine shutdowns and sophisticated radar systems. This provides a rare opportunity to see how technology and ecology intersect at an industrial scale. Additionally, the role offers a deep dive into the complexities of cross-border environmental permitting and ISO 14001 management systems within a large-scale energy producer. You will likely develop advanced skills in GIS mapping and ESG data reporting, which are increasingly vital for environmental careers in the corporate sector.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Environmental Science or Ecology and brings at least four years of professional experience, ideally within the renewable energy industry. You should have a proven track record in managing bird and bat monitoring programs, as these are the primary ecological concerns for wind assets. Technical proficiency in Office 365 and GIS tools is essential, alongside a valid driver’s license for site visits. Since Nadara operates across Europe, fluency in English combined with Portuguese or Spanish is a critical requirement for communicating with local authorities and stakeholders.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your practical experience with wildlife mitigation hardware. If you have worked with specific radar or acoustic deterrent brands, mention them, as Nadara values the operational effectiveness of these systems. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the specific challenges wind energy poses to avian biodiversity will mark you as an expert. Tailor your application to show a balance between field-readiness and regulatory precision. Highlight instances where you successfully negotiated with environmental NGOs or local authorities to resolve permitting bottlenecks, as this demonstrates the communication and diplomacy skills necessary for the role.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

This role sits at the heart of the 'E' in ESG, specifically focusing on biodiversity and ecosystem services. While the company produces green energy, your focus is on ensuring this production is truly sustainable by minimizing the negative externalities on local wildlife and habitats. You will also contribute to ESG reporting cycles by providing data on biodiversity performance indicators. This ensures that the company's commitment to 'living energy' is backed by verifiable data regarding site-level conservation efforts and regulatory adherence.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be balancing operational uptime with environmental constraints. Managing turbine shutdowns for bird passage requires precise data and clear communication with O&M teams to ensure regulatory compliance without compromising energy production targets. You may also face challenges related to evolving EU regulations and differing local interpretations of environmental laws across different jurisdictions. Staying ahead of these legal shifts while managing multiple international sites requires high levels of organization and adaptability.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing fauna detection data from a wind farm in Iberia, followed by a meeting with the Development & Construction team to discuss an upcoming EIA for a solar project. You might spend the afternoon drafting a compliance report for a government agency or coordinating with an external consultancy on a bat survey. Communication is a constant thread; you will regularly interact with Country O&M teams to provide environmental training or support emergency response planning for potential spills. The role involves a mix of office-based analytical work and periodic travel for field audits and site inspections.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Within Nadara, there are clear paths toward senior management roles in HSE or ESG. As the company expands its renewable portfolio, the need for centralized environmental expertise will grow, potentially leading to a head-of-department or global specialist position. Furthermore, the technical expertise gained in renewable-specific biodiversity mitigation is highly sought after in the energy sector. This role positions you as a leader in a niche but critical field, offering long-term career resilience as global biodiversity regulations become more stringent.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include the HSE Corporate Manager, to whom you report, as well as the HSQE, Development, and Operations & Maintenance teams. You will act as a bridge between the corporate strategy and the ground-level execution of environmental plans. Externally, you will be the face of the company for local environmental authorities, NGOs, and consultants. Engaging with these groups requires a professional and constructive approach to ensure that Nadara maintains its social and regulatory license to operate.

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