Assistant Aquatic Ecologist | Bristol, Peterborough, Oxford, Derby, Warrington, Epsom, Glasgow

As CIEEM’s Large Consultancy of the Year 2018, the Atkins ecology team are one of the most respected in the UK. We have a reputation for technical excellence, innovation, award winning and actively shaping the future of the ecology industry.

We are now seeking to expand our team of aquatic ecologists within Atkins’ Water Management Consultancy. If you are looking to deliver interesting and significant projects, influence environmental outcomes at the project level and beyond, and work within a strong culture of wellbeing, innovation and inclusivity, this is the place for you.

As an aquatic ecologist, focused on freshwater habitats and species, you can expect to deliver river and wetland ecological assessment, enhancement and restoration, as well as hydro-ecological investigation and mitigation to drive tangible improvements within river catchments throughout the UK and overseas.

Our close-knit team works closely with national technical networks for specialisms and opportunities, to develop areas of strength with like-minded experts. We encourage the production of papers/articles and support our staff in presenting their work at conferences and progressing towards chartership and beyond. The dynamic and influential relationship between our aquatic ecology team and our engineering design and planning colleagues provide exceptional opportunities for you to develop your technical and commercial skills.

We value flexible working within our team and would encourage working from different offices across the region, flexible working hours and working from home as part of regular working. The role would preferably be based from our Derby or Glasgow Office but working with key specialists from our other national office bases (including Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Epsom, Oxford, Peterborough, London, Swansea and Warrington).

Still unsure? See what our ecologists have to say about working at Atkins: https://careers.atkinsglobal.com/ecology-careers

• A degree in a relevant discipline with a strong focus on freshwater ecology.

• Keen understanding of aquatic ecology assessment procedures and relevant UK and EU nature conservation legislation.

• Experience of undertaking aquatic habitat and/or species surveys.

• Numerate, literate and familiar with IT and software appropriate to the tasks undertaken.

• A full UK driver’s license and availability for travel across the UK and occasionally overseas would be an advantage.

• A relevant post-graduate degree.

• Working knowledge of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the tools used in the assessment of ecological status.

• Experience of undertaking Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and/or hydro-ecological investigation.

• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM, CIWEM) working towards Chartership.

• Experience of:

– project co-ordination and fieldwork management;

– management of budgets; and

– stakeholder liaison.

The role involves, but is not limited to:

• Providing support to the national aquatic ecology team.

• Undertaking technical reporting for a wide range of projects.

• Co-ordinating ecological inputs to projects.

• Assisting and leading on ecological field surveys and Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA).

• Maintaining excellent relationships with other professionals (environmental scientists, engineers, planning consultants) throughout Atkins to provide a consistent and integrated service to clients;

• Supporting the team with winning work from internal and external clients.

• Developing your technical skills through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

• Managing your own time and workload in collaboration with other team members.

• Highly motivated and proactive; focussed on achieving and delivering technical excellence.

• Skilled at collaborative working, with good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively.

• Flexible and prepared to take on new challenges.

• Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills.

Atkins develops individuals through a portfolio of training and development activities designed to help its staff make the best of their abilities and talents. This includes our in-house Academy system, competency framework system and our Professionals Programme (for senior staff). Personal development is reviewed through a bi-annual appraisal process and mentoring support. We actively support staff in achieving membership of relevant professional institutions and attaining chartership.

We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to develop and learn new skills in a supportive and friendly environment. For full details of our benefits package please refer to our website.