Aquatic Consultants (All Levels)

RSK Biocensus, an award winning CIEEM company and part of the RSK Group, is recruiting full time Consultant, Senior and Principal level Aquatic Ecologists to join their growing UK ecology team on a permanent basis. This role is based across the UK and will be a hybrid role, with flexible homeworking (though ideally within commuting distance of an RSK office) and client site work. Ideal locations would include the Midlands and South Of England.

As an Aquatic Ecologist at RSK Biocensus you can expect to get involved with the delivery of elements of field surveys, ecological/impact assessment, tender and report writing and project management. Our projects cover everything from small headland streams down to larger lowland rivers and estuaries and out into coastal waters. We also have projects involving small ponds, larger lakes and reservoirs. Project types range from large infrastructure projects requiring baseline surveys, monitoring and ECoW, to river and lake restoration and enhancement schemes. We also undertake a range of R&D projects both for clients and to provide training opportunities for our staff and develop new knowledge or survey approaches which can benefit our clients. We are particularly interested in candidates with water quality and hydrology experience but also keen to hear from people with experience in aquatic habitat assessments and biota surveys (fish, macroinvertebrates, diatoms, macrophytes, protected species and invasive non‑native species) or aquatic habitat improvements and restoration.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertaking (assisting or leading depending on experience) aquatic field surveys and delivering high quality data – this will require travel and staying away from home for some surveys.
• Technical reporting and tender writing commensurate with experience.
• Managing projects (under supervision for less experienced personnel); assisting senior colleagues in managing the projects that RSK Biocensus undertakes, including managing project finances, assisting in the production of deliverables in line with the client’s expectations, and ensuring deliverables are submitted on time and to a high quality.
• Developing your professional knowledge and skills; maintaining a personal CPD record and an up to date professional CV.
• Actively using the PDR process to set objectives for the year ahead that develop your skills and competencies in line with the team’s needs and your interests and aptitude.
• Acting at all times with professional integrity, and exercising sound professional judgment within (and recognising the limits of) your competence.
• Working in compliance with our SHEQ Management System.
• Building relationships with team members of other RSK departments, particularly those which have a close working relationship with RSK Biocensus.

Please note that this advert is for all grades from consultant (typically c.2-3 years minimum relevant experience) up to principal (typically c. 10+ years relevant experience). The qualifications and experience listed below is expected to vary significantly between grades accordingly. More senior / experienced candidates would be expected to take on more responsibility (commensurate with experience) and require less supervision and guidance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in a relevant discipline (all grades).
• Relevant professional experience since graduation.
• Species specific personal licences (e.g. white‑clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel) are desirable but certainly not essential.
• Membership with a relevant professional body such as CIWEM, IFM or CIEEM (and be, or be working towards, chartership for principal grades or above).
• Experience in at least some of the following survey/project types:

• Water quality sampling / monitoring.
• Macroinvertebrate sampling (e.g. kick sampling).
• Flow gauging / hydrology surveys.
• SOAF / CSO assessments.
• Macrophyte surveys.
• Electrofishing surveys.
• Seine netting surveys.
• Fish rescues and translocations.
• Aquatic habitat assessments.
• RHS/ RCS / MoRPh Impact assessments including WFDa, EcIA and HRA (particularly for more senior grades).

Salary and Benefits

• Consultant / Aquatic Consultant = £28,000-£34,000.
• Senior / Senior Aquatic Consultant = £33,000-£46,000.
• Principal / Principal Aquatic Consultant = £42,000-£57,000.
• Company paid life assurance.
• Contributed pension scheme.
• Regular career training and development.
• Flexible working options.
• Access to multiple high profile ecologists considered leading experts / authorities in their respective fields.
• Award winning Employee Assistance Programme.
• Flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays, health cash plan and discounted gym membership.

Apply today or for further information please do get in touch today. RSK is an Inclusive Employer. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities.