Principal Aquatic Ecologist

SLR currently has a great opportunity for an experienced Freshwater/Aquatic Ecologist to help play a key role in growing and developing these capabilities across the UK. Please note we are flexible for the successful candidate to be based in any of our UK offices.

With over 100 experienced Ecology professionals undertaking a wide range of projects throughout the UK and internationally, SLR Consulting leads the way in providing exemplar advice and services. We have a real passion for what we do and due to continued commercial success, we have fantastic opportunities for experienced professionals to become part of the SLR team.

We are looking for a consultant with specialist skills in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecology and a track record in undertaking Ecological Impact Assessment, Habitat Regulations Appraisals and Water Framework Directive Assessments in a range of development sectors, including onshore and offshore wind developments. We are looking for a motivated work winner to help grow our existing team and build our presence in this sector. Applications are sought from ecologists with strong field skills and technical knowledge and with experience of business development gained in a commercial consultancy environment.

The role will involve developing new client relationships, preparing quotations, designing and undertaking aquatic field surveys including river invertebrate, electrofishing and river habitat assessment and preparing baseline reports, impact assessment and mitigation design. Due to the nature of client sites and survey types, the position will involve working across the country and occasional out-of-hours work.

Key tasks include:

• Managing and overseeing projects and taking ownership for aquatic ecology outputs for a range of different clients.
• Preparation of fee proposals, report writing and technical review of aquatic ecology outputs.
• Supervision and mentoring of ecology staff and training.
• Developing SLR’s aquatic ecology business and building the team to assist this growth.
• Communicating with clients and SLR staff in other disciplines the importance of aquatic ecology and the wildlife legislation and policy in all UK nations.
• Seeking opportunities through coordinated business development to expand ecology and other services and capabilities in the region.

About us: SLR are global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 3000+ employees across 6 regions – including over 1000 staff across Europe. SLR’s ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.

Along with competitive salaries, our people enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, critical illness cover and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days annual leave, SLR offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, and our family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and family life.

About you:

• Demonstrable experience of leading aquatic inputs to EcIA, EIA, HRA and WFD assessments.
• Demonstrable experience of field survey techniques for fish, freshwater macroinvertebrates and macrophytes.
• Knowledge of permitting, consents and legislation governing the aquatic and marine environments.
• Good people skills, including understanding of including/working with protected species and associated report preparation.
• Proven capabilities in winning and delivering projects.
• Team management, supervision, mentoring and growth.
• Experience within a range of sectors including energy, onshore and offshore renewables, freshwater systems, fisheries and infrastructure.
• Relevant post graduate degree level qualification plus appropriate level of membership of CIEEM or equivalent.
• Full drivers licence valid in the UK.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SLR: We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional DE&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all individuals regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently underrepresented at SLR, such as: LGBTQ+ people, ethnic minority groups, women, and individuals with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.

To apply: If you are interested in this opportunity, we would love to hear from you, so click apply or you can submit your application at: www.slrconsulting.com/careers. Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable assistance when applying to SLR.