At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead aquatic ecology projects, conducting surveys and assessments for water resources and environmental impacts.
- Company: Join Stantec, a global leader in sustainable infrastructure with over 31,000 employees across 450 locations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Other info: We value unique specialisms and support your personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in ecological projects while working with diverse teams and clients.
- Qualifications: Degree in environmental science or aquatic ecology; experience in ecological assessments and project leadership preferred.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Stantec\'s Ecology Team partners with clients to deliver innovative, sustainable, and efficient solutions using contemporary approaches to solve complex environmental challenges.
We are seeking a Principal Aquatic Ecologist with a broad understanding of aquatic ecology to join our nationwide team. As we continue to expand our impact in environmental and regulatory services, our ideal candidate will demonstrate versatility across a wide variety of project deliverables, including both development impacts and water resources projects. We value both general expertise and individual specialisms, actively encouraging your unique interests while prioritising a wide-ranging skill set.
We\'re looking for a highly skilled and passionate Aquatic Ecologist to take a leading role in our team. You\'ll be instrumental in shaping and delivering aquatic ecology elements across major projects primarily within the water sector, while also supporting our work in energy, infrastructure, and development.
You\'ll provide broad technical input, leading and contributing to the full spectrum of aquatic ecology survey and impact assessment activities. This includes diverse project types such as drought planning, water resource management, and environmental restoration. You\'ll oversee the design and execution of surveys for macroinvertebrates, fish, macrophytes, and invasive species, and provide crucial technical input into environmental impact assessments and Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance work.
You\'ll gain broad project exposure, engaging in everything from land development impacts to water abstraction, pollution investigations, and resource management, ensuring ecological needs are balanced with industry objectives. While a wide skill set is preferred, we highly value and will nurture individuals with a particular specialism, such as fish ecology, aquatic plants, or hydro-ecology, as part of our comprehensive consultancy offering. This role involves significant collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, mentoring junior colleagues, and fostering knowledge sharing. You\'ll build strong relationships with clients, regulators, and stakeholders, contributing to business development, proposals, and client management.
About You
You\'re a seasoned aquatic ecologist with broad knowledge of UK aquatic ecology, spanning freshwater environments, and ideally with some exposure to marine or transitional settings. You bring proven experience in designing, implementing, and interpreting aquatic ecology and water quality surveys for EIA, HRA, WFD, and other relevant frameworks. You have the capability to assess a wide variety of ecological impacts, from infrastructure development to operational water resources projects. Familiarity with appropriate assessment tools (e.g., RICT, DARLEQ2/3), ecological reporting software, and the use of GIS for data analysis is essential.
Ideally, you\'ll also demonstrate the ability to apply best practice survey techniques across multiple taxa and habitats. Any particular specialism you possess-such as fish ecology, invasive species, restoration, or hydro-ecology-will be highly encouraged and supported as part of your ongoing personal and professional development. We value strategic insight and commercial awareness, including experience leading projects and developing client relationships. Professionally, you will hold a degree in environmental science, aquatic ecology, or a related field. Progress toward or attainment of Chartered Status (e.g., CEnv, CEcol) and membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIEEM, IFM, RSB) are preferred.
If you\'re ready to lead the charge on complex ecological projects and make a real difference, step forward! We\'re eager to welcome you to our dynamic team.
#UKWater #LI-MH1
About Stantec
The Stantec community unites more than 31,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.
Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients\' vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today\'s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.
Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn\'t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.
At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact careers.UK&(email protected) and we will talk to you about how we can support you. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Aquatic Ecologist employer: Stantec UK
Stantec is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where your expertise in aquatic ecology will be valued and nurtured. With a commitment to employee growth, you will have access to diverse projects across the water sector and beyond, allowing you to develop your skills while making a meaningful impact on environmental sustainability. Join us in our vibrant UK community, where we prioritise innovation and support for your unique interests, ensuring a rewarding career path in a dynamic and supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Aquatic Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in aquatic ecology, particularly those relevant to the UK. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aquatic ecology sector, especially those who work at Stantec or similar companies. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to build connections that could lead to referrals or insider information about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that align with the responsibilities of the Principal Aquatic Ecologist role. Highlight your experience in designing and executing surveys, as well as any specialisms you have, to showcase your versatility.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've mentored junior colleagues or led multidisciplinary teams in past roles. Stantec values collaboration, so showing your ability to work well with others will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Aquatic Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Aquatic Ecologist position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in aquatic ecology, particularly in areas like water resource management and environmental impact assessments.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your proven experience in designing and implementing aquatic ecology surveys. Mention any specific projects you've worked on that align with the job description, such as drought planning or pollution investigations.
Showcase Your Specialisms:If you have a particular specialism, such as fish ecology or hydro-ecology, make sure to highlight this in your application. Stantec values unique interests and expertise, so demonstrate how your specialism can contribute to their diverse project types.
Professional Development:Mention any progress towards Chartered Status or membership in relevant professional bodies. This shows your commitment to professional growth and aligns with Stantec's values of nurturing individual development within their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec UK
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your broad understanding of aquatic ecology, including specific examples from your past work. Highlight any specialisms you have, such as fish ecology or hydro-ecology, and how they can contribute to the role.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with relevant assessment tools and frameworks like EIA, HRA, and WFD. Be ready to explain how you've used these in previous projects and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Principal Aquatic Ecologist position.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves significant collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, prepare examples that showcase your ability to work effectively with others. Discuss any mentoring experiences you have had and how you foster knowledge sharing.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement
Understand the importance of building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your experience in business development and client management, and how you can contribute to Stantec's goals in this area.
