Principal | Senior Associate | Team Lead Aquatic Ecologist

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

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Aquatic Ecologist to deliver innovative ecological solutions. This role involves leading aquatic ecology surveys, engaging in environmental assessments, and managing client relationships across various projects. The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in UK aquatic ecology, be skilled in survey design, and possess a degree in a relevant field. Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in aquatic ecology and water quality surveys for environmental assessments.
• Ability to assess ecological impacts from infrastructure developments.
• Experience leading projects and developing client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead aquatic ecology survey and impact assessment activities.
• Design and execute aquatic surveys including for macroinvertebrates and fish.
• Engage with multidisciplinary teams and manage client relationships.

Skills

UK aquatic ecology knowledge

Ecological impact assessment

Survey design and execution

Strong client relationship skills

Education

Degree in environmental science

Tools

GIS for data analysis

Ecological reporting 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. We value both general expertise and individual specialisms, actively encouraging your unique interests while prioritising a wide-ranging skill set. This role focuses on leading aquatic ecology elements across major projects primarily within the water sector, with the opportunity to support work in energy, infrastructure, and development.

Responsibilities

• Provide broad technical input, leading and contributing to the full spectrum of aquatic ecology survey and impact assessment activities.
• Design and execute surveys for macroinvertebrates, fish, macrophytes, and invasive species.
• Contribute to environmental impact assessments and Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance work.
• Lead projects and mentor junior colleagues; contribute to business development, proposals, and client management.
• Engage in a range of project types, including drought planning, water resource management, environmental restoration, and land development impacts.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to balance ecological needs with industry objectives; build strong relationships with clients, regulators, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Seasoned aquatic ecologist with broad knowledge of UK aquatic ecology, spanning freshwater environments; some exposure to marine or transitional settings is desirable.
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and interpreting aquatic ecology and water quality surveys for EIA, HRA, WFD, and related 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.
• Ability to apply best-practice survey techniques across multiple taxa and habitats; particular specialisms (e.g., fish ecology, invasive species, restoration, hydro-ecology) are highly encouraged and supported.
• 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.
• Strong strategic insight and commercial awareness; experience leading projects and developing client relationships.

About You

As a candidate, you should be ready to lead complex ecological projects and contribute to the growth of our client base while delivering high-quality work.

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 32,000 employees working 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 the creation of 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 deal with today\'s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit 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 is in compliance 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.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [e-mail] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

ReqID: 7562