Project Ecologist

SOCOTEC Group; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Electric car scheme

Employee recognition programmes

Family-friendly support

Exclusive retail discounts

Employee assistance programmes

Enhanced company pension

Job summary

SOCOTEC Group in the UK is seeking a proactive Project Ecologist to support a continuous water quality monitoring programme across river catchments in the Yorkshire region. The role focuses on ecological site assessments and selecting installation locations for monitoring equipment while minimising ecological impacts.

You will work closely with the Flow and Water Quality team, undertake field surveys, and maintain detailed records.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting habitat and ecological site assessments.
• Good knowledge of UK habitats and protected species.
• Ability to interpret ecological constraints for projects near rivers.
• Excellent field recording and data management.

Responsibilities

• Undertake ecological site assessments at proposed monitoring locations.
• Identify suitable locations for installation of monitoring equipment while considering habitats.
• Identify habitats and features for protected or notable species and determine further survey needs.
• Provide ecological recommendations to enable monitoring while minimising impacts.
• Collaborate with Flow and Water Quality team to refine installation sites.
• Carry out ecological surveys and checks appropriate to project scale.
• Provide ecological supervision during installation works when required.
• Suggest additional ecological assessment or licensing where needed.
• Produce concise site records and recommendations for installation teams.
• Maintain field notes, photographs and project records to consultancy standards.
• Manage programme of site assessments within project timescales.
• Work safely at river locations in accordance with RAMS.
• Liaise with project managers and installation teams.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Ecology knowledge

Site assessments

UK habitats knowledge

Report writing

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Ecology / Environmental Science

Job description

• Business Unit: Environmental

Company Description

About Environment & Safety
SOCOTEC’s Environment and Safety team provides expert environmental, health and safety consultancy and compliance services that help organisations manage risk, protect people and safeguard the environment. Our services include environmental monitoring and consultancy, water safety and hygiene solutions with Legionella risk assessments and water system management, fire safety consultancy and inspections, occupational hygiene assessments and workplace exposure monitoring, and specialist advisory support on regulatory and sustainability challenges. We use industry-leading tools and science-based approaches to deliver accurate data, practical guidance and innovative solutions that ensure compliance with UK legislation, minimise environmental impact and create healthier, safer workplaces for clients
What's in it for you?
Your expertise deserves recognition. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday (with the option to buy more), an electric car scheme (where applicable), employee recognition programmes, family-friendly support, exclusive retail discounts, employee assistance programmes, and an enhanced company pension. SOCOTEC UK & Ireland are proud to be Disability Confident accredited.

Job Description

Project Ecologist - Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Programme (Yorkshire)

This could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career as a Project Ecologist, supporting an important programme of continuous water quality monitoring across river catchments within the Yorkshire Water region.

As SOCOTEC continues to grow its environmental services, we have an exciting opportunity for a proactive and practically minded Project Ecologist to join our Environment & Safety Division. The role will work closely with SOCOTEC’s Flow and Water Quality team, providing ecological support for the installation and operation of continuous water quality monitoring equipment.

The primary focus of the role will be to undertake ecological site assessments to identify suitable locations for the installation of monitoring equipment, while identifying and managing ecological constraints associated with the proposed works.

This is a predominantly field-based role and would suit an ecologist with previous experience working within an ecological consultancy who is looking to develop their experience in the delivery of practical ecological support to water industry projects.

The tasks you will undertake will include (but are not limited to):

• Undertake ecological site assessments at proposed monitoring locations across river catchments within the Yorkshire Water region.
• Identify suitable locations for the installation of continuous water quality monitoring equipment, taking account of ecological sensitivities and constraints.
• Identify habitats and features with the potential to support protected or notable species and determine where further survey or ecological controls may be required.
• Provide clear, proportionate ecological recommendations to enable monitoring equipment to be installed while avoiding or minimising impacts on habitats and protected species.
• Work closely with the Flow and Water Quality team to help refine installation locations where ecological constraints are identified.
• Undertake ecological surveys and checks appropriate to the nature and scale of the proposed installation works.
• Provide ecological supervision or watching briefs during installation works where required.
• Identify situations where proposed works may require additional ecological assessment, specialist survey, mitigation or licensing.
• Produce concise, accurate site records, ecological constraints information and recommendations for installation teams.
• Maintain accurate field notes, photographs and project records to professional consultancy standards.
• Manage an allocated programme of site assessments and ensure ecological information is provided within project timescales.
• Work safely and independently at river and watercourse locations in accordance with project RAMS and safe systems of work.
• Liaise effectively with project managers, installation teams and other ecologists throughout the programme.

Qualifications

We are looking for a proactive, reliable and practical ecologist who is comfortable undertaking fieldwork independently and applying ecological knowledge to real-world site constraints.

You will ideally have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Ecology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Previous professional experience within an ecological consultancy, appropriate to Assistant or Project Ecologist level.
• Experience undertaking habitat and ecological site assessments.
• A good working knowledge of common UK habitats and protected and notable species.
• An understanding of the ecological constraints associated with works in and around rivers and other watercourses.
• The ability to identify potential ecological constraints and provide practical and proportionate recommendations.
• Good field identification and ecological survey skills.
• Accurate field recording, data management and report-writing skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider multidisciplinary project team.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage a programme of field visits.
• An understanding of health and safety requirements associated with ecological fieldwork.
• A full UK driving licence, due to the field-based nature of the role and geographical spread of sites.

Experience of riparian ecology, aquatic habitats, protected species associated with watercourses, ecological watching briefs or water-industry projects would be advantageous but is not essential.

Additional Information

Why SOCOTEC?

Join a thriving community of over 2,000 industry professionals who are passionate about making a real difference. At SOCOTEC UK, we're not just delivering services - we're shaping the future of testing, inspection, and certification across the nation.

What sets us apart? Our people. We've built our reputation on attracting exceptional talent like you and empowering them to deliver excellence at every turn. Our comprehensive range of TIC services means you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse, challenging projects that truly matter.

In this role, you won't just be another employee - you'll be a key player in our continued success story. Your expertise will directly contribute to our mission of building a safer, more sustainable world, while you grow your career alongside some of the industry's finest professionals.

Build a traditional career path or explore opportunities across multiple disciplines - all within SOCOTEC. Your choice, your direction.

Work Your Way

Local, national, or global projects. Office-based, remote, or hybrid. We offer the flexibility that empowers you to perform at your best.

Committed to Your Growth

From day one, you'll have access to comprehensive training, mentorship, and development programs. We support every step of your professional journey. #YouGrowWeGrow

Think you've got what it takes to add value to our success? We would love to hear from you and look forward to receiving your application.

Building a safer and more sustainable world is the core mission we set out to achieve at SOCOTEC, it is at the heart of everything that we do. We are committed to acting as a key player in society, investing in innovative solutions to ensure social and environmental concerns are at the forefront of all of our business operations.

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