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- Tasks: Lead aquatic ecology surveys and produce technical reports while managing projects.
- Company: Join the largest UK employer of ecologists, known for its stability and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on freshwater and coastal projects in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology, significant experience in aquatic ecology, and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Opportunities for additional holidays and health cover available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 46000 £ per year.
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 will work on a range of impactful projects including large-scale infrastructure, waterbody restoration, and cutting-edge ecological research and development.
Key Focus Areas:
- 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
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.
Contact Detail:
Eden Scott Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Aquatic Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the aquatic ecology field. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or local meetups to connect with others in the industry. This can help you learn about job openings and get referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Join online forums and social media groups focused on aquatic ecology and environmental consultancy. Engaging in discussions can increase your visibility and may lead to job opportunities that aren't widely advertised.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out directly to current employees at StudySmarter or the consultancy you're interested in. Informational interviews can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, making you a more informed candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in aquatic ecology. Being knowledgeable about current issues can help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Aquatic Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in aquatic ecology, particularly in areas like water quality assessments and habitat restoration. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for aquatic ecology. Mention why you are interested in this particular consultancy and how your values align with theirs.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your degree and any relevant certifications or memberships in professional bodies. If you have experience with specific techniques mentioned in the job description, such as electrofishing or hydrology surveys, be sure to include those.
Showcase Your Project Experience: Discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role. Highlight your contributions, the outcomes, and any collaborative efforts with multi-disciplinary teams, as this is a key focus for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Scott Ltd
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with water quality sampling, hydrology surveys, and aquatic habitat assessments. Highlight specific projects where you've applied these skills, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Research the consultancy's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and ecological integrity will help you align your answers with what they prioritise, showing that you're a good cultural fit.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to manage project timelines or budgets, and be ready to explain how you navigated challenges effectively.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working across multi-disciplinary teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. This could include mentoring junior staff or working on joint projects with different departments.
