Project Ecologist

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland; Leeds; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; 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 UK & Ireland is seeking a Project Ecologist to support a continuous water quality monitoring programme across river catchments in the Yorkshire region. The role involves installation and operation of monitoring equipment and providing ecological input to a multidisciplinary team.

You will mainly conduct ecological site assessments to identify locations for monitoring equipment, manage ecological constraints, and work in the field across diverse sites.

Qualifications

• Proactive, reliable and practical ecologist.
• Degree in Ecology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science or related discipline.
• Experience in ecological consultancy at Assistant or Project Ecologist level.
• Experience undertaking habitat and ecological site assessments.
• Good knowledge of UK habitats and protected species.
• Understanding of ecological constraints around rivers and watercourses.
• Ability to identify constraints and provide practical recommendations.
• Good field identification and survey skills.
• Accurate field recording and data management.
• Ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage field visits.
• Understanding of health and safety in ecological fieldwork.
• Full UK driving licence.

Skills

Fieldwork independently

Ecological knowledge

UK habitats

Protected species

Habitat assessments

Data management

Report writing

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Ecology or related

Job 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

Company Description

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
• 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.

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.

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.

Your Career, Your Way

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

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.