At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our dynamic Water Team while delivering complex aquatic projects.
- Company: Join Thomson, the UK's innovative environmental consultancy shaping nature and business.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, healthcare cash plan, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of collaboration, career development, and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful environmental impact and lead high-profile projects.
- Qualifications: Principal-level experience in environmental consultancy and strong aquatic ecology background.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 62500 £ per year.
Salary Circa £50,000+ per annum
Join us in shaping a future where nature and business thrive together. At Thomson, our purpose is simple but powerful: to enable nature and business to thrive together. We're building a reputation as the UK's most innovative, pragmatic and fast‑growing environmental consultancy. Our ambition is to be the first choice for clients and the employer of choice for environmental professionals. With offices across the UK, our multidisciplinary experts deliver exceptional outcomes across terrestrial and freshwater ecology, hydrology, marine science, GIS, habitat management, arboriculture and environmental impact assessment.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Principal Technical Specialist to lead and grow our dynamic Water Team. This is a key leadership role where you will combine technical expertise, team leadership and business development to deliver complex aquatic projects and shape the future of our water services. You will work closely with clients and colleagues to provide best‑practice advice, ensure compliance with legislation and policy, and support the successful delivery of high‑quality environmental outcomes.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leadership & Team Development
- Manage team workloads, performance, training and development
- Provide technical oversight, mentoring and internal training
- Support colleagues in achieving their professional goals
- Technical Delivery
- Lead and deliver large, complex hydro‑ecological projects
- Provide expert guidance on legislation, policy and best practice
- Review and approve technical reports and deliverables
- Project & Financial Management
- Oversee budgets, forecasting and team financial performance
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard
- Business Development
- Win new work through bids, tenders and client engagement
- Build and maintain strong client relationships
- Support marketing and PR activity to promote water services
Example Projects & Deliverables
- Field & Survey Work
- Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Clerk of Works
- Macroinvertebrate and water quality monitoring
- Fish population and habitat surveys
- eDNA and INNS surveys
- River habitat surveys, flow gauging and water level monitoring
- Environmental Assessments
- Nutrient neutrality assessments
- Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments
- Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
- Marine licensing and flood risk permitting
Essential Experience
What We're Looking For
- Principal‑level experience in environmental consultancy
- Strong background in aquatic ecology, hydro‑ecology or similar
- Proven experience managing and developing staff
- Track record of winning work and building client relationships
Technical Expertise
- Strong knowledge of hydro‑ecological survey techniques, legislation and policy
- Experience delivering high‑quality reports and assessments
Skills
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Ability to manage people, budgets and multiple projects
- Proactive, collaborative and solutions‑focused approach
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance.
Working at Thomson
At Thomson, we strive to be the very best at what we do—for our clients and for each other. We believe in One Thomson: valuing every individual's unique skills and experiences, and working together to deliver exceptional service. Our people are our greatest asset. We are proud of our friendly, supportive and can‑do culture, where nothing is too much trouble. We live and breathe our RISE values - Respect, Integrity, Support and Excellence - and we are constantly evolving, with your voice helping shape our future. We actively promote a healthy work‑life balance, offering flexibility and a supportive environment where people can thrive. We embrace new challenges, work collaboratively, and celebrate success together. We are passionate about career development. You'll have access to:
- Industry‑accredited external training
- Specialist‑led internal training
- Opportunities to work across disciplines
- The chance to contribute to and lead high‑profile, once‑in‑a‑lifetime projects
We also offer a competitive benefits package, including:
- 25 days annual leave
- Healthcare cash plan
- Enhanced stakeholder pension scheme
- Life insurance
- Discounted gym membership
- Paid professional memberships
- Clothing allowance
- Performance‑related rewards and long service awards
- Free parking
- Regular social and company events
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
As an equal opportunities employer, Thomson is committed to the fair and equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We are building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We believe diversity strengthens our team and enhances the work we do.
Ready to make a difference? If you're a skilled and motivated professional looking for a role where you can lead, influence and deliver meaningful environmental impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and be part of Thomson's journey.
Principal Technical Specialist - Water Team employer: Thomson Environmental Consultants
Thomson is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees while fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. With a commitment to career development, competitive benefits, and a strong focus on work-life balance, Thomson empowers its team members to thrive in their roles and contribute to meaningful environmental projects. Join us in a dynamic environment where your expertise will shape the future of water services and make a lasting impact.
Contact Details:
Thomson Environmental Consultants Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Technical Specialist - Water Team
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the environmental consultancy field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or clients on LinkedIn.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past projects and achievements that highlight your skills in hydro-ecology and team leadership. This will give you an edge when discussing your fit for the Principal Technical Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with Thomson's mission to enable nature and business to thrive together. Tailor your message to reflect their values and the specific needs of the Water Team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Thomson team and contributing to meaningful environmental impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Technical Specialist - Water Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in aquatic ecology and project management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Technical Specialist, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a key leadership role, be sure to emphasise your experience in managing teams and developing staff. Share specific examples of how you've led projects or mentored colleagues in the past.
Highlight Your Technical Expertise:We’re looking for someone with a strong background in hydro-ecology and environmental consultancy. Make sure to detail your technical knowledge and any relevant certifications that demonstrate your expertise in this area.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of our water services!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomson Environmental Consultants
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of hydro-ecology and aquatic ecology. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Leadership Skills
Since this is a leadership role, be ready to share examples of how you've managed teams in the past. Talk about how you've supported colleagues in their professional development and how you handle team performance. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Water Team effectively.
✨Client Engagement is Key
Thomson values strong client relationships, so think of instances where you've successfully built or maintained client connections. Discuss your approach to winning new work through bids and tenders, as well as how you ensure client satisfaction throughout project delivery.
✨Embrace the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Thomson's RISE values: Respect, Integrity, Support, and Excellence. During the interview, reflect these values in your answers. Show that you align with their culture of collaboration and support, which will make you a more attractive candidate.
