Aquatic Ecological Consultant - Leeds

Join us in shaping a future where nature and business thrive together

At Thomson, our purpose is simple but powerful:to enable nature and business to thrive together.

We’re building a reputation as the UK’s mostinnovative, pragmatic and fast-growing environmental consultancy. Our ambition is to be thefirst choice for clientsand theemployer of choice for environmental professionals.

With offices across the UK, our multidisciplinary experts deliver exceptional outcomes across terrestrial and freshwater ecology, hydrology, marine science, GIS, habitat management, arboriculture and environmental impact assessment.

Job Description

We are seeking an aquatic consultant to join our dynamic Water team. You will be responsible for managing and delivering complex aquatic projects - leading surveys, conducting data analysis, and preparing technical reports. As a technical expert, you will produce accurate, concise reports and environmental assessments to meet regulatory and investigatory standards in riverine and estuarine environments.

Surveys will include but won’t be limited to; macroinvertebrates, fish, habitat and water quality surveys of rivers and lakes.

The role can be based anywhere across England or Wales.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver aquatic ecology and/ or hydrology projects, including macroinvertebrate surveys and consenting projects with supporting environmental assessments.
• Produce high quality reporting and assessment deliverables for clients, within allocated time and budget constraints.
• Coordinate field surveys, liaise with clients and landowners, and ensure compliance with Thomson’s methods.
• Assist in business development by preparing tenders, quotes, and supporting revenue growth.
• Stay updated on ecology / hydrology relevant legislation and survey techniques, for continuous professional development.

Example field project deliverables: preliminary ecological appraisals, ecological clerk of works, macroinvertebrate and water quality monitoring, fish surveys, modular river habitat surveys, water level monitoring and flow gauging.

Example environmental assessments: nutrient neutrality assessments, Water Framework Directive assessments, Habitat Regulations Assessments, Environmental Impact Assessments, Marine Plan Policy Assessments, Flood Risk Assessments, Flood Risk Activity Permits and Marine License Applications.

Example project objectives: Water Restoration Fund studies, habitat compensation studies, habitat surveys to inform BNG for fish pass projects, drought permit monitoring, storm overflow assessment, surveys and assessments to support planning and consent requirements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in aquatic ecology, hydro-ecology, or related fields.
• Strong technical knowledge of ecology / hydro-ecology survey techniques, assessments, legislation, and project management.
• Full, clean UK driving licence and ownership / access to a car with business insurance.

Key Skills:

• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently.
• Experience at Assistant Consultant or Consultant level in environmental consultancy.
• Expertise in biological indices and surveys to assess aquatic ecosystem health, including macroinvertebrate surveys and analysis,
• Experience in hydro-ecology monitoring (water quality, water level, flow gauging).

Additional Information

Working at Thomson

At Thomson, we strive to be the very best at what we do—for our clients and for each other.

We believe inOne Thomson: valuing every individual’s unique skills and experiences, and working together to deliver exceptional service.

Our people are our greatest asset. We are proud of ourfriendly, supportive and can-do culture, wherenothing is too much trouble. We live and breathe ourRISE values – Respect, Integrity, Support and Excellence—and we are constantly evolving, with your voice helping shape our future.

We actively promote ahealthy work-life balance, offering flexibility and a supportive environment where people can thrive. We embrace new challenges, work collaboratively, and celebrate success together.

We are passionate aboutcareer development. You’ll have access to:

• Industry-accredited external training
• Specialist-led internal training
• Opportunities to work across disciplines
• The chance to contribute to and leadhigh-profile, once-in-a-lifetime projects

We also offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 25 days annual leave
• Enhanced stakeholder pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Discounted gym membership
• Paid professional memberships
• Clothing allowance
• Performance-related rewards and long service awards
• Free parking
• Regular social and company events

We are also committed to giving back, with strong involvement incharity fundraising and local community initiatives.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

As an equal opportunities employer, Thomson is committed to the fair and equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

We are building adiverse and inclusive workplaceand strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We believe diversity strengthens our team and enhances the work we do.

Ready to make a difference?

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