Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect aquatic ecosystems and manage ecological risks across diverse water projects.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in sustainable infrastructure and environmental protection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ecological resilience while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science and experience in aquatic ecology required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel and a focus on innovation and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Closing Date
2025-09-26
Job Title: Aquatic Ecologist
Location: Falmer (Sussex) (with travel across a variety of sites) – hybrid working model
Salary: around £45,000 depending on experience
About the Role
Are you passionate about protecting aquatic ecosystems while enabling sustainable infrastructure development? Southern Water is seeking a skilled and driven Aquatic Ecologist to join our Enabling Team within ETS. You\’ll play a pivotal role in delivering robust ecological risk management across a diverse portfolio of water, wastewater, and network projects-from design conception to construction completion.
This is a dynamic position that blends fieldwork, technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking. You\’ll help shape the future of ecological resilience in the region while identifying opportunities to enhance the natural environment.
Key Responsibilities
Safety & Environment
- Champion health and safety best practices across all project phases
- Develop and implement H&S strategies, including risk assessments
- Ensure compliance with environmental and sustainability standards
Technical Delivery
- Lead and support aquatic ecology surveys and assessments
- Provide ecological input into permitting, compliance, and infrastructure projects
- Design mitigation strategies and contribute to ecological enhancement initiatives
- Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and environmental advisors
- Manage aquatic ecology deliverables within budget and timeline
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Research and apply innovative ecological solutions
- Support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) initiatives, including River Condition Assessments
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with regulators, partners, and internal teams
- Communicate ecological risks and solutions effectively
Financial & Commercial
- Prepare cost estimates and support TOTEX-efficient project delivery
- Make informed decisions balancing ecological integrity and business needs
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Degree (BSc/MSc) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field
- Membership of CIEEM, IFM, or equivalent professional body
- Proven experience in aquatic ecology within the water or infrastructure sector
- Proficiency in electric fishing, macroinvertebrate sampling (TL3), or macrophyte surveys
- Strong understanding of UK environmental legislation and permitting
Desirable
- Experience with MoRPh surveys and River Condition Assessments
- Familiarity with GIS and ecological data analysis
- Knowledge of BNG principles and application
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent report writing and presentation skills
- Strong organisational and time management abilities
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently
- Confident decision-maker with a proactive approach
- Full UK driving licence
Why Join Us?
At Southern Water, we\’re committed to protecting the environment while delivering essential services. You\’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team that values innovation, sustainability, and professional growth. We offer a supportive work culture, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for continued development.
How to Apply
Ready to make a splash in your career? Submit your CV and cover letter via our careers portal. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Aquatic Ecologist employer: Southern Water
Contact Detail:
Southern Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Aquatic Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the aquatic ecology field through LinkedIn or local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Southern Water and their projects. Show us you’re not just passionate about aquatic ecosystems, but also about how you can contribute to our mission of sustainability and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in ecological assessments and stakeholder engagement make you the perfect fit for the Aquatic Ecologist role. We want to hear your story!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Southern Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Aquatic Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Aquatic Ecologist role. Highlight your relevant qualifications, especially in aquatic ecology, and any specific projects you've worked on that align with our mission at Southern Water.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for protecting aquatic ecosystems and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention why you’re excited about working with us at Southern Water.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical expertise. Be sure to include any experience with electric fishing, macroinvertebrate sampling, or GIS analysis in your application. This will help us see how you can contribute to our projects right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our careers portal. It’s the best way to ensure your CV and cover letter reach us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water
✨Know Your Aquatic Ecology
Brush up on your knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and the specific challenges they face. Be ready to discuss your experience with electric fishing, macroinvertebrate sampling, and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled ecological challenges in past roles. Think about times when you designed mitigation strategies or contributed to ecological enhancement initiatives. Highlighting your innovative solutions will impress the interviewers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is key in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships with regulators and partners. Share specific instances where your communication skills helped convey ecological risks and solutions effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
With responsibilities like managing aquatic ecology deliverables within budget and timeline, it's crucial to showcase your organisational abilities. Talk about how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively, especially in dynamic project environments.