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- Tasks: Lead aquatic ecology surveys and produce technical reports while managing projects.
- Company: Join the largest UK employer of ecologists, known for its stability and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on freshwater and coastal projects in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology, significant experience in aquatic ecology, and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Opportunities for mentorship and collaboration across diverse teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 46000 £ per year.
A leading UK environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior Aquatic Ecologist to support its growing portfolio of freshwater and coastal projects. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established team working across rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal environments.
With over 150 ecologists employed across the UK, this consultancy is currently the largest employer of ecologists in the country. It has tripled in size over the last 10 years, growing steadily and sustainably—even through challenging market conditions. This role offers both stability and clear opportunities for progression in a business that continues to expand with purpose and resilience.
You will work on a range of impactful projects including large-scale infrastructure, waterbody restoration, and cutting-edge ecological research and development.
Key Focus Areas:- Water quality and hydrology
- Aquatic habitat assessments and biota surveys (macroinvertebrates, fish, macrophytes, diatoms, etc.)
- Ecological impact assessments and regulatory compliance
- Habitat restoration and enhancement
- Degree in a relevant environmental or ecological discipline
- Significant post-graduate experience in aquatic ecology
- Full UK driving licence
- Experience with some or all of the following:
- Water quality sampling and monitoring
- Hydrology surveys and flow gauging
- Kick sampling and macroinvertebrate ID
- Electrofishing and fish rescue operations
- Aquatic habitat assessments (RHS, RCS, MoRPh)
- WFD assessments, EcIA, HRA (especially for infrastructure projects)
- Species-specific licences (e.g., white-clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel) are advantageous
- Lead and deliver high-quality aquatic ecology field surveys
- Produce and review technical reports and tenders
- Support project management including timelines, budgets, and client reporting
- Contribute to staff mentoring, training, and internal R&D
- Maintain a strong CPD record and uphold high professional standards
- Collaborate effectively across multi-disciplinary teams and departments
- Competitive salary: £36,000 - £46,000 DOE
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Company pension and life assurance
- Structured professional development and training
- Access to technical leaders in aquatic ecology
- Employee wellbeing and assistance programme
- Options for additional holidays, health cover, and more
Ready to take the next step? I'm recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded consultancy that combines scale with strong values and technical depth. If you're looking for a role where your skills in aquatic ecology will be valued and developed in a stable, forward-thinking environment, let's talk.
Senior Aquatic Ecologist employer: Eden Scott Ltd
Contact Detail:
Eden Scott Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Aquatic Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the aquatic ecology field. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and projects in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Join online forums or social media groups focused on aquatic ecology. Engaging in discussions can help you gain insights into the skills and experiences that are currently in demand.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current employees at the consultancy for informational interviews. This can provide you with valuable insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations for the Senior Aquatic Ecologist role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent projects and initiatives by the consultancy. Demonstrating your knowledge of their work during interviews can show your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Aquatic Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in aquatic ecology, particularly focusing on water quality assessments, habitat restoration, and any specific projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for aquatic ecology. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the consultancy's focus areas.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your degree and any memberships in professional bodies like CIWEM or CIEEM. If you have experience with species-specific licences or ecological impact assessments, make sure to emphasise these.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, highlight your ability to collaborate across teams, manage projects, and mentor others. These soft skills are crucial for the role and should be evident in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Scott Ltd
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with water quality sampling, hydrology surveys, and aquatic habitat assessments. Highlight specific projects where you applied these skills, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Research the consultancy's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and ecological integrity will help you align your answers with what they prioritise, showing that you're a good cultural fit.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to manage project timelines, budgets, or client expectations, and be ready to explain how you navigated those challenges.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working across multi-disciplinary teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. This could include mentoring junior staff or working with different departments on projects.
