Overview

Binnies is a leading environmental consultancy looking to grow our water and catchment capabilities to support teams in delivering water projects across the UK. We work across the UK, delivering high-impact projects in the water environment involving science, policy, and management, ensuring the long-term health of aquatic ecosystems.

As a Hydro-ecologist, you will play a pivotal role in undertaking hydro-ecology investigations, supporting catchment-based studies and restoration projects and shaping the strategic direction of our water and catchment services within the environmental services team. You will lead projects, providing senior-level technical expertise, and drive innovation in hydro-ecology in freshwater environments across our Environmental Services team. This role will also involve client engagement, supporting the team leader with business development, and mentoring of senior and junior staff.

You will be responsible for:

  • Leading hydro-ecological assessments for a range of clients and sectors.
  • Developing or applying habitat and biological response models to hydro-ecological investigations.
  • Supporting the development of staff within our water and catchment team.
  • Undertaking technical reporting and consultations for a wide range of projects, coordinating inputs from colleagues.
  • Supporting the delivery of a wide range of other environmental assessments (e.g., preliminary ecological appraisals, ecological impact assessment, Water Framework Directive compliance reporting and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments) across a range of projects such as nationally important infrastructure projects and work for regulators and water companies.
  • Supporting business development and bidding for work with internal and external clients.

About you:

  • Experience of hydro-ecology investigations, including as part of catchment studies.
  • Experience in Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) studies.
  • Experience working on low flow, Water Framework Directive or Catchment level  investigations.
  • Experience of designing or coordinating freshwater ecological monitoring programmes.
  • Experience in managing and analysing environmental datasets.
  • Relevant degree.
  • Chartered membership of a professional body.
  • Full driving licence.

Other desired experience could include:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the National Framework for Water Resources – Environmental Destination Investigation Framework (UKWIR, 2025 25/WR/02/20) and the hydro-ecological tools discussed therein
  • An understanding of Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Freshwater Habitats (JNCC, 2016) and Freshwater Fauna
  • Knowledge of, or experience in, the development or use of bespoke flow targets for fish and macroinvertebrates
  • Knowledge and understanding of the main (NVC) freshwater wetland plant communities and their environmental dependencies
  • Appreciation of mechanisms of groundwater and surface water interaction with plant communities and habitats and its importance in maintaining their healthy status.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

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