Assistant Aquatic Ecologist - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

Five Rivers Environmental Contracting Ltd.; Warminster; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Accommodation provided

Subsistence when working away

Job summary

Five Rivers Environmental Contracting Ltd. is seeking an Assistant Aquatic Ecologist for a 6-month fixed-term contract based in Codford, Wiltshire, with regular travel across the south of England.

The role involves hands-on freshwater monitoring, survey work and field data collection, outdoors in varied conditions, with accommodation provided when staying away from project sites. The position offers development within a supportive Water & Environment Monitoring team, with opportunities to learn

Qualifications

• Some practical fieldwork experience in ecological, environmental or outdoor settings (including placements, volunteering or seasonal work).
• Basic understanding of freshwater ecology and aquatic survey work such as fish surveys, invertebrate sampling and habitat assessments.
• Willingness to travel across the south of England and stay away from home during the week when required.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist with fish surveys, fish rescues and habitat assessment.
• Support macroinvertebrate and aquatic plant surveys.
• Carry out water quality sampling and monitoring.
• Assist with flow gauging and telemetry site visits.
• Record field data accurately using field sheets, tablets and software.
• Prepare, maintain and decontaminate survey equipment.
• Work safely in accordance with RAMS and company procedures.
• Support senior ecologists with reporting and data management.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Outdoor work

Attention to detail

Driving license

Education

BTEC / Diploma / T Level / Degree (environmental/biology)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Assistant Aquatic Ecologist - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

Codford, Wiltshire with regular travel across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and the wider South of England.

Full time

Fixed Term Contract

FiveRivers are a widely recognised industry specialist in the consultation, design and delivery of ecological, environmental and civil engineering solutions. With over 25 years of working with nature, the business continues to experience sustained growth, driven by a strong customer focus, technical excellence and an ability to attract, develop and retain exceptional people.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Aquatic Ecologist to join our Water & Environment Monitoring team on a seasonal contract, supporting a wide range of freshwater monitoring and river survey projects across the south of England. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career to gain practical, hands‑on experience working alongside experienced aquatic ecologists in a busy and rewarding field environment.

The role is based from our office in Codford, Wiltshire, with regular travel to project sites across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and the wider South of England. The position involves frequent fieldwork and periods of staying away from home during the working week where required. Accommodation and subsistence are provided in line with company policy.

This is a seasonal role from June to November, involving regular travel and periods of staying away from home where required.

The Role

You will support the delivery of aquatic monitoring and freshwater ecology surveys across rivers, streams and wetlands, contributing to projects that help improve and protect freshwater environments.

Working closely with experienced ecologists and monitoring specialists, you will assist with fish surveys, habitat assessments, water quality monitoring, hydrometry and ecological data collection. Most days will be spent outdoors in the field, often working in and around water.

This role is ideal for someone looking to develop practical ecological survey skills and gain valuable industry experience within a supportive and knowledgeable team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with fish surveys, fish rescues and habitat assessment
• Support macroinvertebrate and aquatic plant surveys
• Carry out water quality sampling and monitoring
• Assist with flow gauging and telemetry site visits
• Record field data accurately using field sheets, tablets and software
• Prepare, maintain and decontaminate survey equipment
• Work safely in accordance with RAMS and company procedures
• Support senior ecologists with reporting and data management

What We’re Looking For

• We welcome applicants from both further education and degree-level backgrounds in land-based, agricultural, environmental or biological subjects (e.g. BTEC, Diploma, T Level, or degree, or currently studying towards these).
• Some practical fieldwork experience in an ecological, environmental or outdoor setting — this may include college placements, volunteering or seasonal work
• A basic understanding of freshwater ecology and awareness of aquatic survey work such as fish surveys, invertebrate sampling and habitat assessments
• Awareness of protected freshwater species and the importance of wildlife legislation and biosecurity
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including wading in flowing water, boat working and carrying equipment across rough ground
• Willingness to travel widely across the south of England and stay away from home during the working week when required
• Good attention to detail and accurate field data recording skills

Basic IT skills including Word and Excel

Enthusiasm for freshwater ecology and willingness to learn and develop practical survey skills

Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable - don’t be put off if you don’t have these; training can be provided

• CSCS card
• Experience working in or around water
• Student membership of CIEEM or IFM

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Paid accommodation and subsistence when working away

At FiveRivers, we operate an open and supportive management culture that encourages innovation, continuous improvement and professional growth. Our success is built on our people, and we are committed to helping our employees develop rewarding careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

We are proud to promote an inclusive and diverse working environment and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Real Living Wage

Hours

37.5

A personalised development plan and clear career progression