Project Ecologist

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland; Swillington; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland is seeking a Project Ecologist to support a continuous water quality monitoring programme across river catchments in Yorkshire. The role is predominantly field-based, working with the Flow and Water Quality team to install monitoring equipment while assessing ecological constraints.

You will conduct ecological site assessments, identify suitable locations near rivers, and provide practical recommendations to minimise impacts on habitats and protected species.

Qualifications

• 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 working knowledge of UK habitats and protected/notable 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, data management and report-writing.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a multidisciplinary project team.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage field visits.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements for ecological fieldwork.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Undertake ecological site assessments at proposed monitoring locations across Yorkshire river catchments.
• Identify locations for installing continuous water quality monitoring equipment while considering ecological constraints.
• Identify habitats and features supporting protected or notable species and determine further survey needs.
• Provide ecological recommendations to enable monitoring installations with minimal impact on habitats and species.
• Collaborate with Flow and Water Quality team to refine installation locations.
• Carry out ecological surveys and checks appropriate to installation works.
• Provide ecological supervision during installation as required.
• Identify needs for additional ecological assessment, surveys, mitigation or licensing.
• Produce concise site records, constraints information and installation recommendations.
• Maintain field notes, photographs and project records to consultancy standards.
• Manage a programme of site assessments within project timescales.
• Work safely at river and watercourse locations per RAMS and safe systems.
• Liaise with project managers, installation teams and other ecologists.

Skills

Independent fieldwork

Field surveying

Data recording

Report writing

Organisational skills

UK driving licence

Ecology knowledge

Education

Ecology degree

Biological Sciences / Environmental Science

Tools

None

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

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

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.