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- Tasks: Lead diverse freshwater fisheries projects and provide expert advice to clients.
- Company: Join APEM, a leading consultancy in environmental solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to mentor others.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on projects and help shape the future of fisheries management.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in freshwater fisheries ecology and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 ÂŁ per year.
About The Role
Are you an experienced fisheries professional ready to step into a role where you can shape projects, support clients and develop others? Do you enjoy working in partnership with clients to help them navigate complex environmental challenges? We’re looking for a Principal – Freshwater Fisheries to join APEM’s nationwide team within our Water Management Division. This is a standout opportunity to take a leading role in a team delivering some of the most interesting and varied fisheries work across the UK.
Our work with water companies, regulators and infrastructure clients often goes beyond traditional consultancy; we work closely with them to explore challenges, share insight and guide the best path forward. That means you won’t just be delivering surveys or reports. You’ll be helping clients understand their options, providing clear, evidence‑led advice and supporting them to make confident, informed decisions. Alongside this, you’ll play a key role in leading and developing others. Our Senior Consultants and Scientists are a talented and growing group, and this role is central to providing the mentoring, guidance and support that helps them thrive — whether that’s technical development, project delivery or building confidence in client‑facing work. This is a role where you can make a genuine impact; on projects, on people and on the direction of the team.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading a diverse portfolio of freshwater fisheries and multidisciplinary projects
- Setting technical direction across fisheries surveys, assessments and mitigation design
- Working closely with clients to understand challenges and provide clear, practical advice
- Managing complex projects from early‑stage opportunities through to delivery
- Leading and contributing to tenders, including defining scope and setting budgets
- Building and strengthening long‑term client relationships
- Mentoring, supporting and line‑managing Senior Consultants and Scientists
- Reviewing technical outputs and ensuring high standards across the team
- Identifying opportunities for growth and supporting the expansion of APEM’s fisheries services
- Collaborating across disciplines to deliver integrated environmental solutions
What we’re looking for:
You’ll need to bring:
- Strong experience in freshwater fisheries ecology and ecological assessment, ideally within consultancy
- Extensive experience designing and delivering fisheries surveys
- Deep knowledge of aquatic ecology and relevant UK legislation (e.g. WFD, EIA, HRA)
- Proven ability to lead complex projects and manage competing priorities
- Strong client‑facing experience and the ability to provide clear, confident advice
- Experience mentoring, supporting or managing others
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
It’s a bonus if you have:
- Chartered status or working towards professional accreditation
- Strong experience leading tenders and winning work
- Experience working on large, multidisciplinary or high‑profile projects
Principal Consultant - Freshwater Fisheries employer: APEM
Contact Detail:
APEM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant - Freshwater Fisheries
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fisheries field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in freshwater fisheries ecology and project management. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex challenges and supported clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and their recent projects, especially in freshwater fisheries. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs and how you can contribute to their team’s success. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the role you’re after.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant - Freshwater Fisheries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in freshwater fisheries and consultancy. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've led or contributed to!
Showcase Your Client-Facing Skills: Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to build relationships and provide clear advice. Share examples where you’ve successfully navigated complex challenges for clients – we love to see that kind of experience!
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: As a Principal Consultant, you’ll be mentoring others, so make sure to mention any experience you have in leading teams or supporting colleagues. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at APEM!
How to prepare for a job interview at APEM
✨Know Your Fisheries Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of freshwater fisheries ecology and relevant UK legislation. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges faced, and how you navigated them. This will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Showcase Your Client-Facing Skills
Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, think of examples where you've successfully built relationships or provided clear advice to clients. Highlight your ability to understand their needs and how you’ve helped them make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience mentoring or managing others. Share specific instances where you’ve guided team members through complex projects or helped them develop their skills. This will illustrate your capability to lead and support a growing team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about technical aspects of fisheries surveys and assessments. Brush up on methodologies and be ready to discuss how you would set technical direction for projects. This will demonstrate your readiness to take on the responsibilities of the role.