Catchment Scientist

AtkinsRéalis; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global design consultancy is seeking an experienced professional for a Sustainable River Management role in Manchester. The position focuses on leading catchment science projects, emphasizing nature-based solutions and collaboration. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience in environmental surveys. This role supports flexible working arrangements and career development opportunities within a friendly, inclusive culture.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Career development opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant discipline and a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Experience in environmental surveys related to river and wetland systems.
• Experience in leading projects and managing project teams.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of catchment science projects focusing on nature-based solutions.
• Lead projects and teams to deliver multidisciplinary solutions.
• Collaborate on habitat design and river management.

Skills

Collaborative working

Technical excellence

Effective communication

Project management

Data-driven decision making

Education

Degree in relevant discipline

Relevant postgraduate qualification

Tools

GIS

Excel

Python

Job description

Overview

We are seeking to expand our Sustainable River Management team. If you want to work on interesting and significant projects, influence environmental outcomes at the project level and beyond, and collaborate within a culture of wellbeing, innovation and inclusivity, this is the place for you. The role is aligned with a background in the environmental sector and experience in one or more of the following disciplines: nature-based solutions, fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, hydro-ecology, aquatic ecology, wetlands or catchment science. The team is close-knit, technically progressive and offers opportunities to work with like-minded specialists. We operate national and international technical networks to share best practice. We encourage the production of papers and support staff in presenting their work at conferences. The role supports career progression towards chartership and beyond. Flexible working is valued, with options for working from different offices, flexible hours and home working. Part-time arrangements are supported as an essential component of the team. Preferred locations include Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Oxford, London/Epsom, Manchester or Peterborough, with collaboration across other national offices as required (including Derby and Swansea). We work for clients across the UK and overseas, including central government, regulators, water companies, NGOs and local authorities.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of a wide range of catchment science projects focusing on nature-based solutions and the delivery of multiple benefits, with particular emphasis on rivers and wetlands.
• Lead projects and teams to deliver multidisciplinary solutions.
• Collaborate with AtkinsRéalis specialists to deliver habitat design, river and wetland management and restoration; Biodiversity Net Gain; river realignments; Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance assessments and environmental assessments/EIAs.
• Liaise with internal and external project teams to deliver the best environmental options.
• Work effectively as part of a team and with other professionals across AtkinsRéalis to provide a consistent and integrated service to clients.
• Be flexible, proactive and able to work independently as well as in a wider team, applying skills in a commercial environment.
• Have a degree in a relevant discipline and a relevant postgraduate qualification (emphasis on Water/Catchment Management/River processes).
• Experience in working with nature and undertaking environmental surveys related to river, wetland and catchment systems and using data to drive evidence-based solutions.
• Experience in leading projects of this type and managing project teams.
• Be numerate, literate and familiar with IT and software relevant to the tasks undertaken.
• Experience in GIS, Excel, VBA, Python would be beneficial but is not essential.
• Understand the principles behind the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
• Valid driving licence and availability for travel across the UK and occasionally overseas where appropriate.
• Demonstrate collaborative working, high motivation, technical excellence, good interpersonal skills and effective communication.
• Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills.

About AtkinsRéalis and team

AtkinsRéalis is a global design, engineering and project management consultancy with a wide presence and a reputation for technical excellence and innovation. Our multi-disciplinary Sustainable River Management team within the Water Management Consultancy group focuses on creating award-winning habitats and continues to grow. We value a friendly, collaborative culture and encourage staff development and contribution to the industry through papers, conferences and networks. We also offer opportunities to support career progression, flexible working and diverse, inclusive work environments.