At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hydro-ecological assessments and drive innovation in freshwater environments.
- Company: Binnies, a top environmental consultancy focused on water projects across the UK.
- Benefits: Private health insurance, income protection, gym discounts, and mental health support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on aquatic ecosystems while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in hydro-ecology investigations and relevant degree required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Binnies is a leading environmental consultancy looking to grow our water and catchment capabilities to support teams in delivering water projects across the UK. We work across the UK, delivering high-impact projects in the water environment involving science, policy, and management, ensuring the long-term health of aquatic ecosystems.
As a Hydro-ecologist, you will play a pivotal role in undertaking hydro-ecology investigations, supporting catchment-based studies and restoration projects and shaping the strategic direction of our water and catchment services within the environmental services team. You will lead projects, providing senior-level technical expertise, and drive innovation in hydro-ecology in freshwater environments across our Environmental Services team. This role will also involve client engagement, supporting the team leader with business development, and mentoring of senior and junior staff.
Responsibilities
- Leading hydro-ecological assessments for a range of clients and sectors.
- Developing or applying habitat and biological response models to hydro-ecological investigations.
- Supporting the development of staff within our water and catchment team.
- Undertaking technical reporting and consultations for a wide range of projects, coordinating inputs from colleagues.
- Supporting the delivery of a wide range of other environmental assessments (e.g. preliminary ecological appraisals, ecological impact assessment, Water Framework Directive compliance reporting and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments) across a range of projects such as nationally important infrastructure projects and work for regulators and water companies.
- Supporting business development and bidding for work with internal and external clients.
About You
- Experience of hydro-ecology investigations, including as part of catchment studies.
- Experience in Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) studies.
- Experience working on low flow, Water Framework Directive or Catchment level investigations.
- Experience of designing or coordinating freshwater ecological monitoring programmes.
- Experience in managing and analysing environmental datasets.
- Relevant degree.
- Chartered membership of a professional body.
- Full driving licence.
Other Desired Experience
- Knowledge and understanding of the National Framework for Water Resources – Environmental Destination Investigation Framework (UKWIR, 2025 25/WR/02/20) and the hydro-ecological tools discussed therein.
- An understanding of Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Freshwater Habitats (JNCC, 2016) and Freshwater Fauna.
- Knowledge of, or experience in, the development or use of bespoke flow targets for fish and macroinvertebrates.
- Knowledge and understanding of the main (NVC) freshwater wetland plant communities and their environmental dependencies.
- Appreciation of mechanisms of groundwater and surface water interaction with plant communities and habitats and its importance in maintaining their healthy status.
Benefits
- Private Health Insurance
- Income Protection
- High Street Vouchers
- Life Assurance
- Annual Leave Purchase
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Discounted Gym Membership
- Mental Health Support
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Senior/Principal Hydro-ecologist employer: Binnies
Binnies is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee development and flexibility. As a Graduate Civil Site Engineer, you will benefit from comprehensive training and the chance to work on impactful water projects across the South of England, fostering both professional growth and a sense of purpose in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Hydro-ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the hydro-ecology field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous hydro-ecology projects and any innovative solutions you've implemented. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses, especially around technical aspects of hydro-ecology. We all know that confidence is key when it comes to impressing potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Binnies.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Hydro-ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Hydro-ecologist role. Highlight your relevant experience in hydro-ecology investigations and any specific projects that align with what we do at Binnies.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills! Mention your experience with habitat and biological response models, as well as any involvement in Water Industry National Environment Programme studies. We want to see how you can bring value to our team.
Engage with Our Values:Take a moment to understand our mission and values at Binnies. Reflect this understanding in your application by discussing how your personal values align with ours, especially regarding environmental sustainability and innovation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Binnies
✨Know Your Hydro-ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your hydro-ecology knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and tools in the field, especially those mentioned in the job description like the Water Framework Directive and ecological monitoring programmes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a passionate expert.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare to talk about specific projects you've led or contributed to, particularly those involving hydro-ecological assessments or catchment studies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your role and the impact of your work. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and leadership skills.
✨Engage with Client Scenarios
Since client engagement is key in this role, think of examples where you've successfully interacted with clients or stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you’ve supported business development or managed client expectations in previous roles. This will show that you understand the importance of communication and relationship-building in consultancy.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare some thoughtful questions about Binnies' projects, team dynamics, or future directions in hydro-ecology. This not only shows your interest in the company but also gives you a chance to assess if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it can spark a great conversation!
