Senior Data Scientist - Water Quality (12 month fixed term contract)

Are you a data-driven environmental consultant who enjoys working with large, complex datasets and turning them into meaningful insight? Do you have strong Excel skills and consultancy experience, and want to apply these in a role where you can make an immediate impact? We’re looking for a Senior Consultant – Water Quality Data to join APEM’s Water Quality Division on an initial 12-month fixed term contract. This role will focus on the processing, analysis and interpretation of large-scale water quality datasets arising from major programmes of work, particularly across estuarine, transitional and coastal environments.

While the role sits within our Freshwater Quality team, we are open to candidates from a range of backgrounds - including GIS, marine and terrestrial; where strong data capability and consultancy experience can be applied. This is a predominantly desk-based role, ideal for someone who enjoys working with data at scale. You’ll play a key role in supporting high-profile environmental projects, helping clients understand complex issues and make informed decisions. With APEM’s continued growth, particularly within the Freshwater and Water Quality disciplines, there is a strong opportunity for this role to extend beyond the initial contract to a permanent role.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading the processing, analysis and interpretation of large water quality datasets
• Managing and manipulating complex datasets using advanced Excel skills
• Producing clear, high-quality outputs to support environmental decision-making
• Supporting the delivery of consultancy projects to time, budget and quality standards
• Designing and contributing to monitoring programmes
• Supporting tender preparation, including technical input and costing
• Working closely with clients, laboratories and internal teams
• Mentoring and supporting graduate and consultant-level team members

What we’re looking for:

• Experience working in a commercial environmental consultancy environment
• Strong experience managing and analysing large datasets
• Advanced Excel skills, with the ability to manipulate, structure and interpret complex data
• Experience in data processing, quality control and reporting
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality work to time and budget
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly
• Understanding of the project lifecycle, including aspects of tendering and delivery
• Good organisational and problem-solving skills

It’s a bonus if you have:

• Experience working with water quality datasets (freshwater, estuarine or coastal)
• Experience in data automation or analytical workflows
• Knowledge of UK environmental legislation or regulatory frameworks
• A relevant postgraduate qualification or professional accreditation

Next steps:

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills. If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need is some basic information and your CV; we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applicants.

About Us:

At APEM, we combine technical excellence with flexibility and wellbeing. Our Water Quality Division works across a wide range of environments; from rivers and lakes to estuarine and coastal waters - delivering high-quality monitoring, analysis and consultancy services to clients across the UK and Ireland. As part of the APEM Group, we collaborate across freshwater, marine and terrestrial teams, giving our people the opportunity to work on varied and meaningful environmental challenges while developing their careers in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.