Principal Aquatic Ecologist
Glasgow
Permanent, Full Time
£50,000 - £60,000 DOE + benefits
A leading UK environmental consultancy is expanding its specialist Aquatic Ecology team in Glasgow and is currently seeking a Principal-level Aquatic Ecologist to help deliver a growing pipeline of impactful work across freshwater, estuarine, and coastal habitats.
This is a senior role offering genuine variety and autonomy - from delivering technical fieldwork and high-quality assessments to mentoring teams, managing projects, and contributing to wider restoration and research initiatives.
You'll be joining a multi-award-winning ecology team within a national consultancy, known for its collaborative culture, technical excellence, and purpose-driven approach to sustainability and biodiversity enhancement.
About the Role
This role would suit a Principal Aquatic Ecologist with demonstrable experience in areas such as:
1. Water quality and hydrology
2. Macroinvertebrate and macrophyte surveys
3. Fish surveys, electrofishing, netting, and translocations
4. Aquatic habitat assessments and restoration
5. Impact assessments (e.g. WFD, HRA, EcIA)
Project work spans large-scale infrastructure (baseline surveys, monitoring, ECoW) to river and lake restoration, with access to in-house R&D and a network of specialist peers.
Key Responsibilities
6. Lead and deliver complex aquatic surveys and field programmes
7. Write and review technical reports and impact assessments
8. Manage medium-scale projects (including finances and client relationships)
9. Support junior staff development and training
10. Contribute to innovative approaches and internal research projects
11. Ensure high standards of SHEQ compliance and ecological integrity
About You
12. Degree (or higher) in an environmental, ecological, or aquatic science discipline
13. Strong consultancy experience within aquatic/freshwater ecology
14. Proven track record in field survey methods and technical reporting
15. Excellent knowledge of UK environmental regulations (WFD, Eels Regs, etc.)
16. Membership of a relevant professional body (CIEEM, IFM, CIWEM etc.) and ideally Chartered or working toward it
17. Full UK driving licence
Licences for species such as white-clawed crayfish or freshwater pearl mussel are advantageous but not essential.
Salary & Benefits
18. £50,000 - £60,000 (depending on experience)
19. Flexible working (including hybrid/home-based options)
20. Pension & life assurance
21. Access to leading experts and CPD development
22. Enhanced annual leave & wellbeing benefits
23. Award-winning employee assistance programme
24. Optional benefits including health cash plans and gym discounts
Interested in learning more?
This is a rare opportunity to shape aquatic ecology delivery within a progressive, multidisciplinary consultancy. If this sounds like the right next step for you, let's arrange a call.