Principal Aquatic Ecologist

Stantec Consulting International Ltd.; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Aquatic Ecologist to join its dynamic team in the UK. This role involves leading aquatic ecology assessments for diverse projects, including water resource management and environmental restoration. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in UK aquatic ecology, be skilled in ecological assessment frameworks, and excel in collaborating with various stakeholders. A degree in Environmental Science and knowledge of GIS software are preferred. This is a great opportunity to contribute to impactful ecological projects and develop professionally within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of UK aquatic ecology and experience in ecological impact assessments.
• Proficient in designing and interpreting aquatic ecology surveys.
• Experience with regulatory frameworks like EIA, HRA, and WFD.

Responsibilities

• Lead aquatic ecology assessments and surveys for major projects.
• Oversee grass-roots ecological survey design and execution.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior colleagues.

Skills

Aquatic Ecology

Water Quality Assessment

Data Analysis (GIS)

Project Management

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Environmental Science

Tools

GIS Software

Ecological Reporting Software

Job description

Stantec's Ecology Team partners with clients to deliver innovative, sustainable, and efficient solutions using contemporary approaches to solve complex environmental challenges.

We are seeking a Principal Aquatic Ecologist with a broad understanding of aquatic ecology to join our nationwide team. As we continue to expand our impact in environmental and regulatory services, our ideal candidate will demonstrate versatility across a wide variety of project deliverables, including both development impacts and water resources projects. We value both general expertise and individual specialisms, actively encouraging your unique interests while prioritising a wide-ranging skill set.

We're looking for a highly skilled and passionate Aquatic Ecologist to take a leading role in our team. You'll be instrumental in shaping and delivering aquatic ecology elements across major projects primarily within the water sector, while also supporting our work in energy, infrastructure, and development.

You'll provide broad technical input, leading and contributing to the full spectrum of aquatic ecology survey and impact assessment activities. This includes diverse project types such as drought planning, water resource management, and environmental restoration. You'll oversee the design and execution of surveys for macroinvertebrates, fish, macrophytes, and invasive species, and provide crucial technical input into environmental impact assessments and Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance work.

You'll gain broad project exposure, engaging in everything from land development impacts to water abstraction, pollution investigations, and resource management, ensuring ecological needs are balanced with industry objectives. While a wide skill set is preferred, we highly value and will nurture individuals with a particular specialism, such as fish ecology, aquatic plants, or hydro-ecology, as part of our comprehensive consultancy offering. This role involves significant collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, mentoring junior colleagues, and fostering knowledge sharing. You'll build strong relationships with clients, regulators, and stakeholders, contributing to business development, proposals, and client management.

About You

You're a seasoned aquatic ecologist with broad knowledge of UK aquatic ecology, spanning freshwater environments, and ideally with some exposure to marine or transitional settings. You bring proven experience in designing, implementing, and interpreting aquatic ecology and water quality surveys for EIA, HRA, WFD, and other relevant frameworks. You have the capability to assess a wide variety of ecological impacts, from infrastructure development to operational water resources projects. Familiarity with appropriate assessment tools (e.g., RICT, DARLEQ2/3), ecological reporting software, and the use of GIS for data analysis is essential.

Ideally, you'll also demonstrate the ability to apply best practice survey techniques across multiple taxa and habitats. Any particular specialism you possess—such as fish ecology, invasive species, restoration, or hydro-ecology—will be highly encouraged and supported as part of your ongoing personal and professional development. We value strategic insight and commercial awareness, including experience leading projects and developing client relationships.Professionally, you will hold a degree in environmental science, aquatic ecology, or a related field. Progress toward or attainment of Chartered Status (e.g., CEnv, CEcol) and membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIEEM, IFM, RSB) are preferred.

If you're ready to lead the charge on complex ecological projects and make a real difference, step forward! We're eager to welcome you to our dynamic team.

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