Assistant Aquatic Ecologist

Thomson environmental consultants; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK seeks an Assistant Freshwater Aquatic Ecologist to support survey planning and fieldwork. The role involves coordinating aquatic ecology projects, contributing to tender preparations, and learning within a small, agile team. Candidates should have a degree in Aquatic Ecology or a related field, a valid driving license, and a willingness to travel. Competitive salary and benefits, including 25 days annual leave and professional development opportunities, are offered.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Healthcare cash plan

Enhanced pension scheme

Life insurance

Discounted gym membership

Paid professional memberships

Clothing allowance

Outstanding performance rewards

Long service awards

Free parking

Qualifications

• A degree or postgraduate degree in Aquatic Ecology, Hydro-Ecology or related subject.
• A valid driving licence and vehicle, insured for business use.
• Self-motivation with the ability to learn quickly.

Responsibilities

• Assist with survey planning and fieldwork for aquatic ecology projects.
• Coordinate surveys and contribute to tender preparation for work wins.
• Collaborate within a small team and pursue development as an ecological consultant.

Skills

Self-motivation

Aquatic survey methods

Hydrology knowledge

Education

Degree in Aquatic Ecology or related subject

Job description

Overview

Our core purpose to enable nature and business to thrive together. Our brand mission is to be chosen by clients as their preferred specialists and regarded by people in our industry as the company to work for. We aim to be the most innovative, pragmatic and fast-growing environmental consultancy in the UK. With offices across the UK, our experts are committed to delivering exceptional outcomes to our clients across a range of environmental services and ecological contracting. Our services include but are not limited to: terrestrial ecology, freshwater ecology, hydrology, marine laboratory, arboricultural services, geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping, environmental impact assessments.

We’re looking for an Assistant Freshwater Aquatic Ecologist to join our small but growing Aquatic Ecology team. This is a unique opportunity for an aspiring Aquatic Ecologist to develop professional skills in survey work, data analysis, reporting and assessments. Surveys will include but won’t be limited to: macroinvertebrates, fish, habitat and water quality surveys of rivers and lakes. Project surveys and deliverables will support proposed development and ongoing monitoring work for water companies. The role will also include organization and coordination of surveys; desk studies; ecological assessments; and contributing to tender preparation to help win work. Working in a small, agile team, your role will be varied, with regular opportunities for learning and development as an ecological consultant.

This is a full-time, permanent role to be based out of our Cardiff or Manchester offices. The successful candidate will need to have a car, full UK driving licence and be willing to travel and stay away from home regularly.

Responsibilities

• Assist with survey planning and fieldwork for aquatic ecology projects, including rivers and lakes.
• Coordinate surveys, desk studies, ecological assessments, and contribute to tender preparation to support work wins.
• Collaborate within a small, agile team and pursue learning and development as an ecological consultant.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree or postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in Aquatic Ecology, Hydro-Ecology or related subject.
• A valid driving licence and vehicle, insured for business use.
• The ability and willingness to travel and stay away at survey sites in various locations in the UK.
• Self-motivation with the ability to learn quickly.
• Ideally candidates will also have: Graduate membership of CIEEM.
• Relevant training including, for example, with the Riverfly Partnership, Field Studies Council, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.
• Experience in using freshwater survey methods either through working or volunteering in a consultancy or regulator setting.
• Hydrology knowledge or experience, including flow gauging.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: from £25,063 per annum, dependent on skillset.

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK.

Working at Thomson

At Thomson, we strive to be the very best at what we do, both in the eyes of our customers and our colleagues. We believe in One Thomson; we draw on and value every individual's unique skills and experience to come together and support each other in delivering an exceptional service.

Our people are our greatest asset. We want Thomson to be a great place to work, where everyone feels supported to be the best they can be. We are proud of our friendly, supportive, 'nothing is too much trouble' culture. We live and breathe our RISE (Respect, Integrity, Support, Excellence) values. Your opinions matter to us; we are constantly evolving.

We promote a healthy work-life balance to ensure we have an engaged, productive and happy team. We are flexible and committed and welcome new challenges.

We recognise the importance in training and developing our team as well as offering a competitive pay and reward package. Involving ourselves in our local communities is important to us and we are proud of our continued achievements in fund raising for charity. We work hard but have fun too.

We are passionate about career development so we make sure we nurture talent. Our people benefit from access to a diverse range of industry-accredited external training, as well as in-house training opportunities led by our specialists. The variety of projects we deliver across the breadth of environmental services encourages cross-team working and collaboration. We can offer you the opportunity to contribute to and lead on high-profile, once in a life-time projects.

You'll enjoy all the benefits we have to offer which include: 25 days annual leave, healthcare cash plan, enhanced stakeholder pension scheme, life insurance, discounted gym membership, paid professional memberships, clothing allowance, outstanding performance rewards, long service awards, free parking and regular local and company social events.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As an equal opportunities employer, Thomson is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability, race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.