Senior Fisheries Consultant in Manchester

Are you a fisheries specialist who enjoys getting out in the field as much as analysing and interpreting data? Do you want to work on varied, technically interesting projects that genuinely influence environmental outcomes? We're looking for a Senior Fisheries Consultant to join APEM's nationwide Freshwater Fisheries team within our Water Management Division. You will play a key role in delivering a wide range of fisheries and aquatic ecology projects across the UK; combining hands-on survey work, technical reporting and project leadership.

You'll work alongside a team of experienced Freshwater scientists, contributing to projects that support water companies, regulators and major infrastructure developments. No two projects are the same. You could be leading salmonid-focused electric fishing surveys to support flood alleviation schemes, delivering reservoir stock assessments across multiple species, or carrying out habitat walkovers to inform water resource and abstraction projects. Alongside fieldwork, you'll analyse fisheries data and produce high-quality reports that support regulatory processes and environmental decision-making.

As a Senior Consultant, you'll also take on a key role in mentoring junior team members, contributing to tenders and building strong client relationships; helping to shape both project delivery and the continued growth of our fisheries capability. To ensure you have access to our equipment you will need to live within an hours drive of our stores in Stockport.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading and delivering a range of freshwater fisheries surveys, including electric fishing, netting and boat-based work
• Designing and undertaking analytical surveys such as habitat walkovers and redd surveys
• Analysing fisheries catch data and producing clear, high-quality technical reports
• Contributing to regulatory reporting, including assessments linked to environmental legislation (e.g. HRA, EIA, WFD)
• Managing projects to ensure delivery to time, budget and quality standards
• Supporting tender preparation and contributing to winning new work
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders
• Mentoring and supporting junior colleagues in both field and office environments

You'll need to bring:

• At least 3-4 years' experience in freshwater fisheries or aquatic ecology
• Experience delivering a range of fisheries surveys (e.g. electric fishing, seine netting, fyke netting, boat work)
• Strong knowledge of fisheries science and aquatic ecosystems
• Experience analysing and interpreting fisheries data
• Excellent report writing and communication skills
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a team

It's a bonus if you have:

• Experience with analytical surveys such as habitat walkovers or redd surveys
• Experience producing reports linked to environmental legislation (e.g. HRA, EIA, WFD)
• Site-based qualifications (e.g. electric fishing certification, working near water, protected species licences)
• Experience contributing to tenders or proposals
• Professional accreditation or working towards it

At APEM, we combine technical excellence with flexibility and wellbeing. Our Freshwater Fisheries team works on a diverse portfolio of projects, from regulatory monitoring and conservation to large-scale infrastructure and water resource programmes. 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 projects at support sustainable environmental outcomes.