Freshwater Ecologist

Overview

Be part of the solution - shape the future of our water environment.

Do you have the drive, skills and career potential to work with us as a freshwater ecologist, influencing environmental outcomes for our freshwater systems at the project level and beyond? We are seeking to expand our team of freshwater ecologists within AtkinsRéalis' Water Management Consultancy. So, if you are looking to join an established team focused on the delivery of interesting and significant projects, framed by a strong culture of wellbeing, innovation and inclusivity, this is the place for you.

Our Water Management Consultancy operates at the interface between people and the water environment. Our key services cover all aspects of water management including aquatic ecology, hydromorphology, river restoration, flood and coastal erosion risk management, integrated catchment management, regulation and assurance, strategic asset management, water resources and water quality planning, hydrogeology and hydrology, climate futures and resilience, coastal and marine environmental management, natural capital and Biodiversity Net Gain assessment and economic appraisal. We have a reputation for technical excellence, innovation and actively shaping the future of our industry.

We have a huge variety of projects on the go at any one time. When you start this role with us, it could take your career wherever your interests lie. Everyone here is willing to pitch in and help because we all want you to succeed, and we're ready to help you grow.

We support flexible and remote working policies and various inclusive employment policies. We are a Disability Confident Leader and value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. We also have a strong focus on work life balance and family friendly arrangements.

This Position is open for Birmingham, Bristol, Derby, Epsom, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Oxford or Peterborough Offices.

Your role

• As an aquatic ecologist within our Water Management Consultancy, focused on freshwater habitats and species, you are expected to deliver river and wetland environmental assessments and support the restoration and enhancement of our aquatic systems.
• Your work will produce tangible improvements within river catchments throughout the UK and overseas, and will involve collaboration with environmental, planning and engineering colleagues.
• The role is advertised outside the graduate recruitment programme; after six months the successful candidate may join this programme if desired.
• Our team is close knit, technically progressive and offers opportunities to work with like minded specialists. We encourage the production of papers and the presentation of work at conferences and support staff in their progression towards chartership.
• You will support delivery through our portfolio of UK water resource investigations, infrastructure planning and development, and habitat management and design projects for clients across the UK and overseas.
• You will deliver technical consultancy services across AtkinsRéalis core markets and services, integrating and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to secure the best outcomes for the environment and clients.
• You will provide ecological input to projects including field surveys, technical reporting, catchment science projects, habitat design, hydrology, ecological impact assessment, Water Framework Directive compliance and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• You will maintain relationships with other professionals, providing a consistent and integrated service to clients.
• You will support the team in winning work from internal and external clients.
• You will develop your technical skills through Continuing Professional Development.

About you

• A degree in a relevant discipline and a post graduate qualification desirable (focus on freshwater ecology or related discipline).
• Excellent understanding of aquatic ecology assessment procedures and relevant UK and EU nature conservation legislation.
• Experience of undertaking river and wetland habitat and species assessments and reporting, ideally in a regulatory or commercial consultancy environment.
• If not already chartered, willingness to work towards chartership with support from chartered colleagues.
• Numerate, literate and familiar with IT and software appropriate to the tasks (GIS, Excel, Microsoft products).
• Highly motivated and proactive, focused on achieving technical excellence.
• Skilled at collaborative working with good interpersonal skills and effective communication.
• Flexible, hands on and proactive; able to work independently or as part of a wider team in a commercial environment.

Rewards & benefits

Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a range of benefits tailored to support health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Training and professional development opportunities are available to develop your skills and expertise. Our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances support a balanced work life integration.

Additional information

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of five years or longer. If applying for this role, do not refer to or include information about any current or previously held security clearance in your application or CV.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they belong. We offer family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and employee resource groups. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to interviewing all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.