Principal | Senior Associate | Team Lead Aquatic Ecologist

Stantec; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Manchester is looking for a Principal Aquatic Ecologist. You will lead aquatic ecology elements across major projects, provide technical input, and mentor junior staff. The ideal candidate has seasoned knowledge of UK aquatic ecology and experience in ecological assessment and project management. Join us to make a significant impact on sustainable water resources management.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and interpreting aquatic ecology surveys for EIA, HRA, WFD.
• Ability to assess ecological impacts from infrastructure and water resources projects.
• Familiarity with best practice survey techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of ecological surveys.
• Provide technical input for environmental assessments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior colleagues.

Skills

Aquatic ecology knowledge

Survey design and implementation

Data analysis (GIS)

Client relationship development

Project management

Education

Degree in environmental science or related field

Chartered Status (CEnv, CEcol)

Tools

Ecological reporting software

Assessment tools (RICT, DARLEQ2/3)

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. As we expand our impact in environmental and regulatory services, the ideal candidate will demonstrate versatility across project deliverables, including both development impacts and water resources projects. We value general expertise and individual specialisms, encouraging unique interests while prioritising a wide-ranging skill set.

We are 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, while supporting our work in energy, infrastructure, and development. You will provide broad technical input, leading and contributing to the full spectrum of aquatic ecology survey and impact assessment activities.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the design and execution of surveys for macroinvertebrates, fish, macrophytes, and invasive species.
• Provide technical input into environmental impact assessments and Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance work.
• Influence a wide range of project types, including drought planning, water resource management, and environmental restoration.
• Oversee projects from land development impacts to water abstraction, pollution investigations, and resource management, balancing ecological needs with industry objectives.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior colleagues, and share knowledge across the organization.
• Build relationships with clients, regulators, and stakeholders; contribute to business development, proposals, and client management.

About You

Requirements

• Seasoned aquatic ecologist with broad knowledge of UK aquatic ecology, spanning freshwater environments; some exposure to marine or transitional settings is a plus.
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and interpreting aquatic ecology and water quality surveys for EIA, HRA, WFD, and other relevant frameworks.
• Ability 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 GIS for data analysis.
• Capability to apply best practice survey techniques across multiple taxa and habitats; specific specialisms (e.g., fish ecology, invasive species, restoration, hydro-ecology) are valued and supported.
• Strategic insight and commercial awareness, including experience leading projects and developing client relationships.
• Degree in environmental science, aquatic ecology, or a related field; progression toward or attainment of Chartered Status (e.g., CEnv, CEcol) and membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., CIEEM, IFM, RSB) are preferred.

Why Stantec

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 worked with clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years, planning, designing, delivering and managing development and infrastructure to support sustainable, healthy, and prosperous communities. We provide solutions that translate clients’ visions into valued consents, deliverable plans, and efficient designs, grounded in technical excellence and deep market insights.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply and ensure equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment is a key to our success. If you need support or adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail].

ReqID: 7562