Senior Aquatic Ecological Consultant

The Opportunity

If you're an experienced aquatic ecologist looking for more than just the next job, this could be an opportunity worth exploring.

Perhaps you're looking for greater ownership of projects, the chance to mentor others, or the opportunity to work on technically interesting freshwater environments with a consultancy that genuinely invests in its people. Whether you're already operating at Senior Consultant level or ready to take that next step, this role offers the chance to shape projects, influence clients and continue developing your technical expertise within a supportive and collaborative team.

From river health assessments to complex freshwater consenting projects, you'll play a key role in delivering work that makes a tangible difference to the natural environment.

The Company

You'll be joining one of the UK's leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancies, recognised for delivering high-quality ecological and environmental services across a diverse range of sectors.

With specialists working across ecology, hydrology, arboriculture, GIS, habitat management, marine science and environmental planning, collaboration sits at the heart of the business. The culture is friendly, down-to-earth and supportive, with a genuine commitment to professional development, flexible working and helping people build rewarding long-term careers.

The team works on an impressive variety of projects, giving you the opportunity to broaden your experience while learning from respected technical specialists.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll take ownership of a varied portfolio of freshwater ecology projects, combining technical excellence with project leadership.

Your work will include:

• Leading aquatic ecology surveys and freshwater environmental assessments.

• Delivering macroinvertebrate surveys, biological assessments and river health evaluations.

• Producing high-quality technical reports for planning, consenting and environmental investigations.

• Managing projects from proposal through to completion, ensuring quality, budget and programme targets are achieved.

• Supporting and mentoring junior members of the freshwater ecology team.

• Building strong relationships with clients, regulators and landowners.

• Contributing to business development through quotations, tenders and identifying new opportunities.

• Keeping up to date with legislation, guidance and emerging survey methodologies.

About You

You're likely to have experience within an environmental consultancy, regulatory organisation or similar setting, with a strong background in freshwater or aquatic ecology.

You'll enjoy combining technical work with project management and mentoring, and you'll be comfortable taking ownership of client relationships and delivering work to a high professional standard.

You'll probably bring:

• Strong experience in aquatic ecology or hydro-ecology.

• Excellent knowledge of freshwater survey techniques and ecological legislation.

• Experience of macroinvertebrate sampling and biological indices.

• Confidence managing projects and delivering technical reports.

• A collaborative approach and excellent communication skills.

• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for site work.

Experience in hydro-ecology monitoring, water quality assessment or business development would be an advantage but isn't essential.

What's on Offer

Alongside a competitive salary of £39,500+ depending on experience, you'll benefit from a package designed to support both your career and work-life balance, including:

• Hybrid and flexible working.

• The opportunity to work on varied and technically challenging freshwater projects.

• Clear opportunities for progression and leadership.

• Ongoing technical training and professional development.

• Paid professional memberships.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Enhanced pension scheme.

• Healthcare cash plan.

• Life assurance.

• Gym membership discounts.

• Performance-related rewards.

• Clothing allowance.

• Regular team socials and charity events.

• A genuinely supportive culture where people enjoy working together.

Location & Flexibility

Hybrid working is available, with opportunities to work from home alongside office and site-based work.

The role can be based from one of several UK offices, including Guildford, Birmingham (Kenilworth), Leeds, Cardiff, Manchester or Ipswich, with travel to project sites as required.

Interested?

If you're curious about where your career in aquatic ecology could take you next, we'd be pleased to tell you more.

Whether you're actively looking or simply open to hearing about opportunities that offer more interesting projects, greater flexibility or stronger long-term career prospects, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.