Aquatic Invasive Non-Native Species Scientist

Ecologists within AtkinsRéalis’ Water Management Consultancy. If you are looking to join an established team focused on the delivery of interesting and significant projects, framed by a strong culture of wellbeing, innovation and inclusivity, this is the place for you. Our Water Management Consultancy operates at the interface between people and the water environment. Our key services cover all aspects of water management including aquatic ecology, hydromorphology, river restoration, flood and coastal erosion risk management, integrated catchment management, regulation and assurance, strategic asset management, water resources and water quality planning, hydrogeology and hydrology, climate futures and resilience, coastal and marine environmental management, natural capital and Biodiversity Net Gain assessment and economic appraisal. We have a reputation for technical excellence, innovation and actively shaping the future of our industry. We are a friendly and approachable team. We enjoy the work we do and have fun while doing it. We have a huge variety of projects on-the-go at any one time. So, when you start this role with us, it could take your career wherever your interests lie. You'll find everyone here is willing to pitch in and help because we all want you to succeed, and we're ready to help you grow.

When it comes to living your life, we want you to get the most out of it. So, talk to us about all our flexible and remote working policies that can support your personal priorities. Also, ask us about some of our recent pledges for Women's Equality, as well as being a 'Disability Confident' and 'Inclusive Employer.'

AtkinsRéalis is one of the world's most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies. Our global team of over 38,000 employees speaks over 70 languages and represents 130 nationalities across six continents. At AtkinsRéalis, we offer more than just a job. We offer an opportunity to make a difference and shape the world to benefit future generations and the natural environment. We understand the need for a diverse and flexible workforce, where a work-life balance is important. So, by default AtkinsRéalis offers flexible working, where there is no fixed 9 ‘till 5, no need for a 5-day week, no requirement for a full-time contract, and no requirement to spend all your working time in the office. Our IT systems support homeworking, so where you have parental or carer duties; or you simply need to be elsewhere for a parcel, servicing your car, or waiting in for a tradesperson; AtkinsRéalis will work for you. Similarly, AtkinsRéalis’ corporate social responsibility provides the opportunity to give something back to the community, and we run professional networks supporting groups such as local schools, charities, parents, those coming out of the armed-forces and women in engineering.

As an experienced aquatic ecologist with a focus on assessing and managing the impacts of invasive non-native species (INNS) on the freshwater environment, you can expect to support and manage the delivery of work within our INNS Service Line team. Your work will produce tangible improvements within river catchments throughout the UK supported by the dynamic and influential relationship between our aquatic ecology team, water resource specialists and our engineering design and planning colleagues. Our structure and growing project portfolio will provide exceptional opportunities for you to develop your career.

You should have a strong technical background in aquatic INNS investigation and management, that includes application of industry standard risk assessment tools (e.g., SAI-RAT) for water resource transfers, the development and management of INNS monitoring programmes and analysis of ecological monitoring data. You should exhibit strong collaborative behaviours to interface with other technical specialists.

You will also have the chance to develop yourself through wider opportunities and support on our increasing portfolio of UK water resource investigations, infrastructure planning and development support, and habitat management and design projects. We work for clients across the UK and overseas, including water companies, central government, regulators, NGOs and local authorities.

Your Role

• To lead on water resource INNS investigations and develop the application of risk assessment tools for our key water company and regulatory clients.
• To support our INNS Service Line team with work activities through integration and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams and bring your technical knowledge and influence to bear in securing the best outcomes for the environment and our clients.
• To support the development and application of emerging approaches in INNS management, transfer control to ensure the technical development of staff within our aquatic ecology team.
• To develop and manage large scale INNS/ aquatic species monitoring programmes through collaborative working with our internal teams and supply chain.
• To drive and secure positive outcomes for the environment, delivering technical consultancy services across a huge range of AtkinsRéalis core markets and services.
• To support our national aquatic ecology team in leading ecological input to projects including field surveys and technical reporting, as well as assisting on the delivery of a wide range of catchment science projects with a focus on river and wetland function, habitat design, management and restoration, hydroecology, ecological impact assessment, Water Framework Directive compliance and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• To maintain excellent relationships with other professionals (environmental scientists, engineers, planning consultants) throughout AtkinsRéalis to provide a consistent and integrated service to clients.
• To develop your technical skills through Continuing Professional Development.

About You

• Experience of invasive non-native species with a specific focus on the assessment of aquatic INNS transfer risk, with knowledge of programme, resource and financial management.
• A degree in a relevant discipline is essential and a post-graduate qualification desirable (with focus on invasive species/ hydroecology and/or catchment management), with considerable consultancy experience. Chartership with a relevant professional body is typically a prerequisite to appointment at this level.
• In exceptional circumstances and if not already chartered, the right candidate would be willing to work towards securing chartership in the short-term, with support and mentorship from chartered colleagues within AtkinsRéalis.
• In using and developing risk assessment approaches, the role requires someone highly numerate, literate and familiar with IT and software appropriate to the tasks undertaken.
• Experience of working on large water resource projects as part of a multidisciplinary team is desirable, as is experience of specifying, undertaking and managing the delivery of invasive species surveys.
• Highly motivated and proactive; focused on achieving and delivering technical excellence.
• Skilled at collaborative working, with good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively.
• To succeed within this role, you must have a flexible, 'hands-on', proactive approach to your work. You must be able to work independently as well as part of a wider team and be comfortable applying your skills in a commercial environment.

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