Overview

Due to continued growth and expansion in the region we are looking for an Aquatic Ecologist at Project grade (SLR’s grades run from Graduate to Project, Senior, Associate, then Principal and Tech Director) to join our expanding UK team to assist with site work, surveys and associated analysis and report writing. With a team of professional ecologists working nationally, you can be assured that the SLR ecology team would support you to develop your full career potential, giving you an outstanding opportunity to learn and develop your ecological skills. Whilst this role would be suitable for individuals who have practical survey/consultancy experience post-graduation, we are also open to hearing from individuals seeking their first professional role.

Whatever your existing skill-set, you will be dedicated to a developing a career as a professional aquatic ecologist and show a commitment to continuing professional development.  The successful candidate would be joining a highly successful, international multidisciplinary consultancy with an established and well-respected ecological presence in the UK.  On joining the team, you would work with your managers to develop an individually-tailored training package using both in-house and external training resources to drive the development of your career as a professional ecologist. SLR’s office in Glasgow is well-established and truly multi-disciplinary; with senior staff from within the ecology, landscape, GIS, land quality and development planning disciplines.  These disciplines are well-integrated and provide a joined-up service for a wide range of national and local clients.

Listed in The Times’ top 100 “One To watch” SLR’s “one team” culture is at the heart of all our business and provides a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Along with competitive salaries, SLR staff also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, life and travel insurance, pension contributions and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 day’s annual leave SLR offer agile working which allows staff to tailor hours worked around core hours of 10am-4pm, and our family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and family life.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Initially, the role will involve assisting with aquatic field surveys including river invertebrate, electrofishing and river habitat assessment.  You may also be involved in terrestrial habitat and species surveys in order to support the wider SLR ecology team.  Due to the nature of client sites and survey types, the position will involve working across the country and out-of-hours work.

Duties may include:

• Technical inputs to aquatic ecological assessments and field surveys within the EcIA process.
• Supporting the delivery of projects within our European aquatic ecology team.
• Recording time and tasks accurately on SLR’s project management software and understanding the commercial nature of consultancy projects.
• Keeping accurate field notes in accordance with the principles of scientific data collection, with experience in handling, recording and storing data effectively.
• Having a good understanding of wildlife legislation and being able to communicate this clearly to colleagues, clients and contractors.
• Taking responsibility for staff management on mitigation projects, ensuring that there is sufficient staffing for mitigation projects.
• Taking personal responsibility for your health and safety whilst at work, learning SLR’s procedures and conducting your work in a safe and responsible manner.

PERSON SPEC – SUMMARY

• BSc Aquatic Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent and eligible for Graduate or Associate level CIEEM membership.
• A good theoretical grounding in ecology and environmental assessment and be able to demonstrate experience in a range of ecological survey techniques.
• Aquatic macrophyte skills and experience of River Habitat Surveys (RHS) would be an advantage, along with specialist fisheries habitat surveys (salmonid and coarse fish).
• Any licenses for working with protected species would be an advantage
• Any experience acting as construction works supervising ecologist (ECoW) or delivering ecological mitigation contracts would be useful.
• Full driving licence valid in the UK