Senior Aquatic Ecologist Location:
UK-wide | Flexible/Hybrid Working Options Sector:
Environmental Consultancy / Ecology Salary:
£36,000 - £46,000 (Depending on Experience) A leading UK environmental consultancy is seeking a
Senior Aquatic Ecologist
to support its growing portfolio of freshwater and coastal projects. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established team working across rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal environments. With over
150 ecologists employed across the UK, this consultancy is currently the
largest employer of ecologists in the country. It has
tripled in size over the last 10 years, growing steadily and sustainably-even through challenging market conditions. This role offers both stability and clear opportunities for progression in a business that continues to expand with purpose and resilience. You'll work on a range of impactful projects including large-scale infrastructure, waterbody restoration, and cutting-edge ecological research and development. Key Focus Areas: We're particularly interested in candidates with experience in: Water quality and hydrology
Aquatic habitat assessments and biota surveys (macroinvertebrates, fish, macrophytes, diatoms, etc.)
Ecological impact assessments and regulatory compliance
Habitat restoration and enhancement
Experience & Qualifications: Degree in a relevant environmental or ecological discipline
Significant post-graduate experience in aquatic ecology
Full UK driving licence
Experience with some or all of the following: Water quality sampling and monitoring
Hydrology surveys and flow gauging
Kick sampling and macroinvertebrate ID
Electrofishing and fish rescue operations
Aquatic habitat assessments (RHS, RCS, MoRPh)
WFD assessments, EcIA, HRA (especially for infrastructure projects)
Species-specific licences (e.g., white-clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel) are advantageous
Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIWEM, CIEEM, IFM) preferred
Chartership not required, but actively working towards it is desirable
Key Responsibilities: Lead and deliver high-quality aquatic ecology field surveys
Produce and review technical reports and tenders
Support project management including timelines, budgets, and client reporting
Contribute to staff mentoring, training, and internal R&D
Maintain a strong CPD record and uphold high professional standards
Collaborate effectively across multi-disciplinary teams and departments
Benefits: Competitive salary: £36,000 - £46,000 DOE
Flexible and hybrid working options
Company pension and life assurance
Structured professional development and training
Access to technical leaders in aquatic ecology
Employee wellbeing and assistance programme
Options for additional holidays, health cover, and more
Ready to take the next step? I'm recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded consultancy that combines scale with strong values and technical depth. If you're looking for a role where your skills in aquatic ecology will be valued and developed in a stable, forward-thinking environment, let's talk.
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