Senior Hydroecology Consultant in Buckfastleigh

Do you enjoy the variety that consultancy offers; combining fieldwork, technical problem solving, project management and working closely with clients? Are you looking to develop your career alongside recognised freshwater specialists while contributing to projects that make a real difference to aquatic environments? We’re looking for a Senior Hydroecology Consultant to join our award‑winning Freshwater Science team. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a collaborative team delivering high‑quality science that helps protect and enhance freshwater environments across the UK.

We’re looking for someone with environmental consultancy experience and a strong understanding of freshwater macroinvertebrates, whether that’s been gained through ecological surveys, field sampling, laboratory analysis or interpreting biological datasets. If you enjoy building client relationships, managing projects and applying scientific evidence to help solve environmental challenges, we’d love to hear from you.

This is a genuinely varied role. You’ll have the opportunity to work across every stage of project delivery, from designing monitoring programmes and supporting field surveys through to data analysis, technical reporting, project management and developing new business opportunities. Whether your strengths lie in planning and undertaking surveys, interpreting complex ecological data, managing projects or building strong client relationships, you’ll have the opportunity to play to your strengths while continuing to broaden your experience across the full project lifecycle.

Working alongside specialists in hydrology, water quality, invasive non‑native species, environmental data science and wider freshwater ecology, you’ll contribute to nationally significant projects for water companies, regulators, energy clients and infrastructure developers, helping deliver balanced, science‑led solutions for both people and the environment.

You’ll need to bring:

• A BSc or MSc in a relevant environmental, ecological or scientific discipline
• Environmental consultancy experience
• Strong knowledge and practical experience of freshwater macroinvertebrates, gained through ecological surveys, field sampling, laboratory analysis or interpreting biological datasets
• Experience managing consultancy projects, delivering work on time, within budget and to a high technical standard
• Excellent technical report writing skills and the ability to communicate complex ecological information clearly
• Experience building positive relationships with clients, regulators and multidisciplinary teams
• Experience designing or delivering ecological monitoring programmes
• Experience contributing to proposals and tenders
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to problem solving

It’s a bonus if you have:

• Experience with macrophytes and/or diatoms
• Knowledge of the Water Framework Directive, Habitats Regulations Assessments or other freshwater regulatory frameworks
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior colleagues
• GIS capability (ArcGIS or QGIS)
• Experience using R or Python for ecological data analysis
• Membership of a relevant professional body and/or working towards Chartered status

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 applications.

At APEM, we’re passionate about using science to solve complex environmental challenges. Our Freshwater Science team brings together specialists across hydroecology, hydrology, water quality, invasive non‑native species and environmental data science to deliver innovative, evidence‑led solutions for clients across the water, infrastructure, energy and environmental sectors. You’ll work on a diverse range of projects that directly influence the management and protection of freshwater environments, collaborating with subject matter experts and developing your expertise across technical delivery, consultancy and project management. We match this with a commitment to continuous learning and career development, giving you the flexibility to shape your career around your interests and strengths. You’ll also benefit from private medical insurance, access to mental health first aiders, comprehensive income protection and flexible ways of working that help you balance your career with life outside work.