Overview
Join to apply for the Principal Aquatic Ecologist role at Stantec. The opportunity: Stantec's Ecology Team partners with clients to deliver innovative, sustainable, and efficient solutions using contemporary approaches to solve complex environmental challenges.
We are seeking a Principal Aquatic Ecologist with a broad understanding of aquatic ecology to join our nationwide team. As we continue to expand our impact in environmental and regulatory services, our ideal candidate will demonstrate versatility across a wide variety of project deliverables, including both development impacts and water resources projects. We value both general expertise and individual specialisms, actively encouraging your unique interests while prioritising a wide-ranging skill set. We are looking for a highly skilled and passionate Aquatic Ecologist to take a leading role in our team, instrumental in shaping and delivering aquatic ecology elements across major projects primarily within the water sector, while also supporting our work in energy, infrastructure, and development.
You''ll provide broad technical input, leading and contributing to the full spectrum of aquatic ecology survey and impact assessment activities, including drought planning, water resource management, and environmental restoration. You''ll oversee the design and execution of surveys for macroinvertebrates, fish, macrophytes, and invasive species, and provide technical input into environmental impact assessments and Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance work. You''ll gain broad project exposure, engaging in land development impacts, water abstraction, pollution investigations, and resource management, balancing ecological needs with industry objectives. A wide skill set is valued and potential specialisms (e.g., fish ecology, aquatic plants, hydro-ecology) will be nurtured as part of our consultancy offering. This role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, mentoring junior colleagues, and fostering knowledge sharing, plus building relationships with clients, regulators, and stakeholders, contributing to business development, proposals, and client management.
About You
You''re a seasoned aquatic ecologist with broad knowledge of UK aquatic ecology, spanning freshwater environments, and ideally some exposure to marine or transitional settings. You bring proven experience in designing, implementing, and interpreting aquatic ecology and water quality surveys for EIA, HRA, WFD, and other relevant frameworks. You have the capability to assess a wide variety of ecological impacts, from infrastructure development to operational water resources projects. Familiarity with assessment tools (e.g., RICT, DARLEQ2/3), ecological reporting software, and GIS for data analysis is essential. Ideally, you''ll also demonstrate the ability to apply best practice survey techniques across multiple taxa and habitats. Any particular specialism (e.g., fish ecology, invasive species, restoration, hydro-ecology) will be highly encouraged and supported for development. We value strategic insight and commercial awareness, including experience leading projects and developing client relationships. A degree in environmental science, aquatic ecology, or a related field is required; progress toward or attainment of Chartered Status (e.g., CEnv, CEcol) and membership of a professional body (e.g., CIEEM, IFM, RSB) are preferred.
If you''re ready to lead complex ecological projects and make a real difference, step forward. We''re eager to welcome you to our dynamic team.
About Stantec
The Stantec community unites more than 32,000 employees in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years, planning, designing, delivering and managing development and infrastructure to support sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deliver on today''s challenges while aiming for a fairer, better tomorrow, supporting clean growth and the needs of future communities. Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination on grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We strive for equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. If you need support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us at the provided email address.
Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is crucial to our success. If your experience isn''t exactly aligned, we still encourage you to apply.
Requirements & Benefits
* Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
* Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
* Industries: Business Consulting and Services
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