Freshwater Ecology Team Lead

Lead complex aquatic projects, shape the growth of a specialist water team, and help deliver environmental outcomes where nature and development can thrive together.

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is supporting a leading UK environmental consultancy in the search for a Principal Technical Specialist to join their growing Water Team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced aquatic ecology or hydro-ecology professional looking to step into a senior leadership position with genuine influence across technical delivery, team development and business growth.

Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate with specialists across ecology, hydrology, GIS, arboriculture and environmental planning on a diverse portfolio of projects throughout the UK.

The Role

As Principal Technical Specialist, you will lead the delivery of complex freshwater and aquatic projects while helping shape the future direction of the water team.

This position combines technical leadership, project oversight, mentoring and client engagement. You will play a key role in maintaining high technical standards, supporting team development and strengthening client relationships across the sector.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Manage workloads, utilisation and team performance
• Mentor and support junior and senior colleagues
• Deliver technical guidance and internal training
• Contribute to a collaborative and supportive team culture

Technical Delivery

• Lead large and complex hydro-ecological and aquatic projects
• Provide expert advice on legislation, policy and best practice
• Review and approve technical reports and deliverables
• Ensure projects are delivered to a high technical standard

Project & Financial Management

• Oversee project budgets and forecasting
• Ensure successful delivery against programme and commercial targets
• Support operational planning and resource management

Business Development

• Support bids, tenders and framework opportunities
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships
• Contribute to the continued growth of water services across the business

Typical Project Work

You may contribute to a wide range of technical services and environmental assessments, including:

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Clerk of Works
• Macroinvertebrate and water quality monitoring
• Fish habitat and population surveys
• eDNA and INNS surveys
• River habitat surveys, flow gauging and water level monitoring
• Nutrient neutrality assessments
• Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments
• Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
• Marine licensing and flood risk permitting

About You

You will likely have:

• Principal-level consultancy experience within aquatic ecology, hydro-ecology or a related discipline
• Strong understanding of hydro-ecological legislation, policy and survey methodologies
• Experience managing and developing technical teams
• A track record of winning work and building client relationships
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• The ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use is required.

Why Apply?

This consultancy has built a strong reputation for delivering pragmatic, high-quality environmental solutions across the UK. Their culture is collaborative, supportive and people-focused, with a genuine emphasis on professional development and long-term career progression.

Benefits include:

• Salary circa £50,000+ depending on experience
• Hybrid and flexible working
• 25 days annual leave
• Healthcare cash plan
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Paid professional memberships
• Industry-accredited training and development
• Opportunities to work on high-profile multidisciplinary projects
• Regular social events and community initiatives

At Ocean to Earth Recruitment, our values are built around Respect, Integrity and Growth. We work closely with environmental professionals and consultancies to create long-term matches where both people and projects can thrive.

To apply, or for a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please send your CV to vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk