Catchment Scientist

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A top design and engineering consultancy is expanding its Sustainable River Management team and seeks a motivated candidate in the environmental sector. The role involves delivering catchment science projects, leading teams, and collaborating with specialists. Key requirements include a relevant degree and experience in environmental surveys and project management. Flexible working conditions and career progression are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Career progression opportunities

Employee support networks

Qualifications

• A degree and postgraduate qualification (Water/Catchment Management/River processes) are essential.
• Experience in environmental surveys related to river, wetland, and catchment systems.
• Experience in project leadership and team management.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of catchment science projects focusing on nature-based solutions.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Collaborate with specialists for habitat design and environmental assessments.

Skills

Environmental surveys

Project management

Collaborative skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in relevant discipline

Postgraduate qualification in Water/Catchment Management

Tools

GIS

Excel

Python

Job description

Overview

AtkinsRéalis is a design, engineering and project management consultancy with over 50,000 employees worldwide. We offer opportunities to make a difference and help shape the world for the benefit of the environment. Our Sustainable River Management team within the Water Management Consultancy group brings together specialists to create award‑winning habitats. The team is growing and now comprises over 45 specialists across the country. We have a reputation for technical excellence, innovation and shaping the future of the industry. This is a friendly, collaborative team that values wellbeing, innovation and inclusivity.

We are expanding our award‑winning Sustainable River Management team. If you want to deliver interesting projects, influence environmental outcomes at project level and beyond, and work in a culture that supports wellbeing and inclusivity, this is the place for you. We are seeking a motivated candidate 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. Our team is close‑knit, technically progressive and collaborates across international networks to share best practice. We encourage publishing papers/articles and support staff in presenting at conferences. We support career progression towards chartership and beyond, providing an exceptional environment to develop technical and commercial skills. We value flexible working, including working from different offices, flexible hours and home working, and support part‑time workers.

The role is preferably based in Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Oxford, London/Epsom, Manchester or Peterborough, with opportunities to work with specialists from other 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. Locations include Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, London/Epsom, Manchester, Oxford or Peterborough; other locations may be considered as appropriate.

Your purpose

• To support the delivery of a wide range of catchment science projects with a focus on nature‑based solutions and delivery of multiple benefits, recognising the different challenges and drivers for working with nature. There is a particular focus on rivers and wetlands.
• Leading projects and teams to deliver multidisciplinary solutions.
• Collaborative working with other 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 (environmental scientists, ecologists, engineers, planners, to name a few) to provide a consistent and integrated service to clients.
• Maintain a flexible, proactive, hands‑on approach to work.
• Be able to work independently as well as with a wider team and apply skills in a commercial environment.

What you can bring

• A degree in a relevant discipline and a relevant postgraduate qualification (with a focus on Water/Catchment Management/River processes) is essential.
• 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.
• Numeracy, literacy and proficiency with IT and software relevant to the tasks undertaken.
• Experience in GIS, Excel, VBA, Python would be beneficial but not essential.
• Understanding of the principles behind the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
• A valid driving licence and availability for travel across the UK and occasionally overseas where appropriate would be beneficial.
• Strong collaborative skills, high motivation, delivery of technical excellence, good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills.

Why work for AtkinsRéalis?

We are ranked as one of LinkedIn’s Top 25 Companies and have been recognised in The Times Top 50 employers for women. Our Infrastructure team uses innovation, data and new approaches to help deliver end‑to‑end projects and programmes. We challenge the status quo as the work becomes more complex. We are committed to engineering better for people and the planet, from our global Engineering Net‑Zero programme to community and social value initiatives. We support employee networks promoting awareness and allyship for under‑represented groups and run programmes supporting communities and professionals returning after career breaks.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If necessary, it will be discussed at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residence in the UK for 5 years or longer. Please do not mention or include details of any current or previously held security clearance in your application or CV.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can thrive. We offer family‑friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.

#LI-INFRASTRUCTURE | #LI-UK

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We believe that world‑class talent does not rely on gender, race, age or other personal characteristics, and is enriched by diversity.