Freshwater Ecologist

Overview

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 are a friendly and approachable team. We enjoy the work we do and have fun while doing it.

Your role

• As an aquatic ecologist within our Water Management Consultancy, focused on freshwater habitats and species, you can expect to deliver river and wetland environmental assessments and support the restoration and enhancement our aquatic systems.
• Your work will produce tangible improvements within river catchments throughout the UK and overseas. The dynamic and influential relationship between our aquatic ecology team and our environmental, planning and engineering colleagues provide exceptional opportunities for you to develop your career.
• The role is being advertised outside of our graduate recruitment programme but after 6 months the successful candidate(s) would be able to join this programme, if desired by the candidate and by mutual agreement.
• Our team is close‑knit, technically progressive and offers a wonderful opportunity for you to work with like‑minded specialists. We operate national and international technical networks to develop and share the very best ideas and practice in our industry. We encourage the production of papers/articles and support our staff in presenting their work at conferences. We support staff in their career progression towards chartership and beyond.
• You will have the chance to develop opportunities and support delivery through our increasing portfolio of UK water resource investigations, infrastructure planning and development support, and habitat management and design projects. We work for clients across the UK and overseas, including central government, regulators, water companies, NGOs and local authorities.
• To drive and secure positive outcomes for the environment, delivering technical consultancy services across a huge range of AtkinsRéalis core markets and services.
• To integrate and collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams and bring your technical knowledge and influence to bear in securing the best outcomes for the environment and our clients.
• To support our national aquatic ecology team in providing ecological input to projects including field surveys and technical reporting, as well as assisting on the delivery of a wide range of catchment science projects with a focus on river and wetland function, habitat design, management and restoration, hydroecology, ecological impact assessment, Water Framework Directive compliance and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• To maintain excellent relationships with other professionals (environmental scientists, engineers, planning consultants) throughout AtkinsRéalis to provide a consistent and integrated service to clients.
• To support the team with winning work from internal and external clients.
• To develop your technical skills through Continuing Professional Development.

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

About you

• A degree in a relevant discipline and a post‑graduate qualification desirable (with a focus on freshwater ecology or related relevant 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, the right candidate would be willing to work towards securing chartership, with support and mentorship from chartered colleagues within AtkinsRéalis.
• Numerate, literate and familiar with IT and software appropriate to the tasks undertaken (such as GIS, Excel and other Microsoft Products).
• 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.
• To succeed within this role, you must have a flexible, ‘hands‑on’, proactive approach to your work. You must be able to work independently as well as part of a wider team and be comfortable applying your skills in a commercial environment.