Junior Freshwater Ecologist

AtkinsRéalis; Saffron Walden; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy in the UK is seeking a freshwater ecologist to enhance their Water Management Consultancy team. The role entails providing ecological input on diverse projects and collaborating with other professionals. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in freshwater ecology, have strong communication skills, and be familiar with relevant ecological assessment procedures. This role emphasizes a flexible working culture, encouraging a work-life balance and technical development.

Benefits

Flexible working policies

Support for Continuing Professional Development

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience of undertaking river and wetland habitat surveys.
• Numerate, literate, and IT-savvy.
• Ability to manage time and workload effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support national aquatic ecology team with ecological input on projects.
• Maintain relationships with environmental scientists and engineers.
• Develop technical skills through Continuing Professional Development.

Skills

Good understanding of aquatic ecology assessment procedures

Excellent communication skills

Collaborative working

Familiarity with GIS and Excel

Proactive approach

Education

Degree in relevant discipline (freshwater ecology)

Tools

GIS

Excel

Job description

Overview

Do you have the drive, skills and career potential to work with us as a freshwater ecologist, influencing environmental outcomes for our freshwater systems at the project level and beyond? We are seeking to expand our team of freshwater ecologists within AtkinsRéalis' Water Management Consultancy. If you are looking to join an established team focused on the delivery of interesting and significant projects, framed by a strong culture of wellbeing, innovation and inclusivity, this is the place for you. We have a huge variety of projects on-the-go at any one time. When you start this role with us, it could take your career wherever your interests lie. You'll find everyone here is willing to pitch in and help because we all want you to succeed, and we're ready to help you grow. When it comes to living your life, we want you to get the most out of it. Talk to us about all our flexible and remote working policies that can support your personal priorities. Also, ask us about some of our recent pledges for Women's Equality, as well as being a 'Disability Confident' and 'Inclusive Employer'.

Responsibilities

• To support our national aquatic ecology team in providing ecological input to projects including field surveys and technical reporting, as well as assisting on the delivery of a wide range of catchment science projects with a focus on river and wetland function, habitat design, management and restoration, hydroecology, ecological impact assessment, Water Framework Directive compliance and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• To maintain excellent relationships with other professionals (environmental scientists, engineers, planning consultants) throughout AtkinsRéalis to provide a consistent and integrated service to clients.
• To support the team with winning work from internal and external clients.
• To develop your technical skills through Continuing Professional Development.
• A degree in a relevant discipline with a strong focus on freshwater ecology.
• Good understanding of aquatic ecology assessment procedures and relevant UK and EU nature conservation legislation.
• Experience of undertaking river and wetland habitat/ecological walkover and species surveys.
• Numerate, literate and familiar with IT and software appropriate to the tasks undertaken (such as GIS, Excel and other Microsoft Products).
• Highly motivated and proactive; focussed on achieving and delivering technical excellence.
• Skilled at collaborative working, with good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively.
• Flexible and prepared to take on new challenges.
• Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills.
• Manage your own time and workload in collaboration with other team members.
• To succeed within this role, you must have a flexible, 'hands-on', proactive approach to your work. You must be able to work independently as well as part of a wider team and be comfortable applying your skills in a commercial environment.

Location and Further Information

This position is open for Birmingham, Bristol, Derby, Epsom, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Oxford or Peterborough Offices.

Your Purpose

• To drive and secure positive outcomes for the environment, delivering technical consultancy services across a huge range of AtkinsRéalis core markets and services.
• To integrate and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and bring your technical knowledge and influence to bear in securing the best outcomes for the environment and our clients.

About AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is one of the world's most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies. Our global team of over 38,000 employees speaks over 70 languages and represents 130 nationalities across six continents. We offer an opportunity to make a difference and shape the world to benefit future generations and the natural environment. We understand the need for a diverse and flexible workforce, where a work-life balance is important. By default AtkinsRéalis offers flexible working, where there is no fixed 9 till 5, no need for a 5-day week, no requirement for a full-time contract, and no requirement to spend all your working time in the office. Our IT systems support homeworking, so where you have parental or carer duties; or you simply need to be elsewhere for a parcel, servicing your car, or waiting in for a tradesperson; AtkinsRéalis will work for you. Our corporate social responsibility provides opportunities to give back to the community, and we run professional networks supporting groups such as local schools, charities, parents, those coming out of the armed-forces and women in engineering. Our Water Management Consultancy operates at the interface between people and the water environment, offering services across aquatic ecology, hydromorphology, river restoration, flood and coastal erosion risk management, integrated catchment management, regulation and assurance, strategic asset management, water resources and water quality planning, hydrogeology and hydrology, climate futures and resilience, coastal and marine environmental management, natural capital and Biodiversity Net Gain assessment and economic appraisal. We have a reputation for technical excellence and innovation, and actively shaping the future of our industry. We are a friendly and approachable team that enjoys the work we do. We encourage publication and support staff in presenting their work at conferences and in pursuing chartership and career progression.

We understand the need for a diverse and flexible workforce, and emphasise a work-life balance. Results may be project-based and geographically diverse, with opportunities to work UK-wide and overseas for clients including central government, regulators, water companies, NGOs and local authorities. We are an inclusive employer and support staff through networks and development opportunities. This Position is open for multiple offices as listed above.