Graduate Ecologist - Water - 2027 (Derby)

With every community, Stantec redefines what’s possible.

The Opportunity

Join our 2027 Graduate Programme as a Graduate Ecologist in our Derby office, where you will be part of a rapidly expanding Water Ecology team within our Environmental Services business line.

About The Role

Our national success in securing major Water Company frameworks has ignited explosive growth within our ecology team. As a graduate ecologist, your daily work will be dynamic and varied, balancing hands-on fieldwork with office-based analysis and reporting. The team provides essential ecological support across a wide range of water industry projects—from storm overflows and pipelines to major reservoir schemes, encompassing both engineered infrastructure and nature-based solutions.

• Conducting a range of site surveys, including habitat classification (e.g., UKHab) and targeted protected species assessments.
• Exploring, mapping, and evaluating both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems impacted by water infrastructure projects.
• Producing high-quality technical documentation, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and detailed protected species survey reports.
• Assisting in the preparation of comprehensive Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations.
• Supporting the ecological design and implementation of nature-based solutions, such as wetlands and sustainable drainage features.
• Collaborating closely with water engineers, environmental planners, and clients to integrate ecological mitigation into project designs.

We are committed to supporting employees in achieving relevant professional qualifications and accreditation. We will provide a structured professional progression plan supporting you to achieve qualifying/full membership and future chartership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Your Impact

In this role, you will be at the forefront of delivering innovative, sustainable environmental solutions across the UK water sector. Supporting critical infrastructure and nature-based schemes—such as storm overflow reductions, pipeline renewals, and wetland creation—your work will directly safeguard biodiversity and enhance natural habitats. Working alongside senior specialists, your daily efforts will help water industry clients achieve their environmental obligations, deliver Biodiversity Net Gain, and create resilient ecosystems that benefit local communities.

About You

At Stantec, we value your potential over past experience. Along with a bachelor’s degree in biology, Zoology, Ecology, Geography, or Environmental Sciences, and a keen interest in the water industry, you will be:

• A Perseverer - You stay composed in the face of setbacks, approaching challenges with confidence and determination.
• An Adapter - You’re able to remain calm in new and changing situations, comfortably switching between a variety of dynamic and exciting tasks.
• A Focused Individual - You focus on what matters, tuning out distractions to perform effectively in any situation.
• A Collaborator - You work effectively with lots of different people, considering others’ perspectives to shape better outcomes.
• An Eager Learner - You learn from your experiences and the world around you, using this knowledge to anticipate how situations may unfold.

Please note, we ask our graduates to come into the office 4 days per week, to ensure that you receive sufficient time with your team and receive the appropriate level of support. Applicants must have an unconditional right to live and work in the UK for an indefinite period without limitation.

Why Join Us?

What we can offer you:

• A competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• A range of benefits, including holiday buy and sell, group income protection and life assurance
• Permanent employment contract to demonstrate our commitment to your long-term career at Stantec
• Professional progression plan, supporting you to gain professional chartership
• A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 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.

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.

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.