Principal | Senior Associate | Team Lead Aquatic Ecologist

Stantec; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in London is seeking a Principal Aquatic Ecologist to take charge of aquatic ecology projects primarily in the water sector. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in aquatic ecology, project management, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. This role offers an opportunity to lead significant ecological projects and contribute to sustainable solutions in the environmental sector.

Qualifications

• Designing and implementing aquatic ecology surveys for EIA and WFD.
• Experience with ecological reporting software.
• Knowledge of aquatic species and habitats.

Responsibilities

• Lead aquatic ecology elements across major projects.
• Oversee design and execution of ecology surveys.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Aquatic ecology

GIS for data analysis

Water quality surveys

Project management

Education

Degree in environmental science or aquatic ecology

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Overview

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. Our ideal candidate will demonstrate versatility across a wide variety of project deliverables, including development impacts and water resources projects, while valuing both general expertise and individual specialisms.

We’re looking for a highly skilled and passionate Aquatic Ecologist to take a leading role in our team. You’ll shape and deliver aquatic ecology elements across major projects primarily within the water sector, and support 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, including drought planning, water resource management, and environmental restoration. You’ll oversee the design and execution of surveys for macroinvertebrates, fish, macrophytes, and invasive species, with crucial input into environmental impact assessments and Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance work.

You’ll gain broad project exposure, engaging in land development impacts, water abstraction, pollution investigations, and resource management, balancing ecological needs with industry objectives. While a wide skill set is preferred, we highly value and will nurture individuals with a particular specialism (e.g., fish ecology, aquatic plants, or hydro-ecology) as part of our consultancy offering. The 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 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 should be able to assess a wide variety of ecological impacts from infrastructure development to operational water resources projects. Familiarity with assessment tools (e.g., RICT, DARLEQ2/3), ecological reporting software, and the use of GIS for data analysis is essential.

Ideally, you’ll 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 development. We value strategic insight and commercial awareness, including experience leading projects and developing client relationships. 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 complex ecological projects and make a real difference, step forward. We’re eager to welcome you to our dynamic team.

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 32,000 employees in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We aim to deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy, and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified people and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec complies with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made, please contact [e-mail] and we will discuss how we can support you.

ReqID: 7562