Aquatic Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in ecological consultancy seeks an Ecological Consultant to provide aquatic ecological support for various projects. The role involves conducting ecological assessments, advising clients, and managing projects effectively. Candidates should have a degree in an environmental subject, relevant experience, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years in ecological consultancy focusing on aquatic environments.
• Knowledge of legislation such as the Water Framework Directive.
• Membership of a professional environmental body is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Undertake ecological site assessments and complete reports.
• Process aquatic macroinvertebrate samples and perform analyses.
• Advise on ecological impacts related to emergency and planned works.

Skills

Time Management

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Willingness to Learn

Education

Degree in Environmental Subject

Higher Degree in Aquatic Ecology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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The purpose of the role is to provide aquatic ecological support to existing and new projects and provision of ecological services to the Group. Providing consultancy expertise for all disciplines of freshwater ecology including carrying out sampling, identification, and interpretation of macroinvertebrates in freshwater habitats. Although we are ideally looking for a consultant, we could consider other grades also.

Hours of work

Weekly contractual hours are 35 per week, with daily hours from 9am to 5pm, five days per week, including a 1-hour unpaid lunch break each day. The postholder will also be required to satisfy overtime requirements and may need to stay overnight away from home occasionally.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Undertake ecological site assessments of aquatic fauna and flora and complete reports;
• Process aquatic macroinvertebrate samples and perform analyses (RICT 2, BMWP, ASPT, WHPT);
• Respond to environmental incidents, conduct necessary fieldwork for ecological impact assessments, and produce reports;
• Advise the Group and clients on ecological impacts related to emergency and planned works;
• Author reports, develop monitoring strategies, and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams;
• Lead small survey teams (macroinvertebrate, RCA, electrofishing) and support larger surveys;
• Assist in business development and marketing;
• Support the Water & Ecology team in project delivery;
• Manage workload to ensure successful and profitable project completion;
• Manage medium-sized projects or multiple small projects effectively.

Health and safety

Follow all Health and Safety instructions, ensure personal and team safety, address breaches immediately, and uphold the Health and Safety at Work Act principles at all times.

Measures of success

Performance will be reviewed regularly and during annual appraisals to ensure service quality. Guidance will be provided, and the post holder should seek support if needed.

Knowledge & experience

• 2-3 years in ecological consultancy, focusing on aquatic environments;
• Experience with industry survey techniques, including fish and macroinvertebrates;
• Knowledge of legislation such as the Water Framework Directive;
• Good time management, communication skills, and team collaboration;
• Willingness to learn new skills and flexibility in travel and working hours;
• Degree in an environmental subject with relevant aquatic ecology experience;
• Higher degree in Aquatic Ecology or related discipline is advantageous;
• Membership of a professional environmental body;
• Previous commercial or regulatory experience is desirable;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, and experience with specialist software is a plus.