Senior Aquatic Ecologist – Manchester

Embankment Group is recruiting on behalf of a well-established environmental consultancy seeking a Senior Aquatic Ecologist to join their Manchester team. This is a fantastic opportunity to take a leading technical role across a varied portfolio of water and development projects, while helping to shape and support a growing aquatic ecology function.

Overview

As a Senior Aquatic Ecologist, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality aquatic ecological assessments for a diverse range of private and public sector projects. This position offers a unique blend of fieldwork, technical reporting, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership. The role provides flexibility to tailor your focus towards technical delivery, project management, or commercial development, depending on your strengths and career aspirations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver aquatic ecological assessments to meet planning and operational requirements.
• Lead and organise field surveys, analyse data, and interpret results.
• Contribute to Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Provide expert advice on mitigation design and regulatory compliance.
• Liaise with statutory bodies, regulators, and other third parties.
• Support and mentor junior ecologists and manage sub-consultants.
• Contribute to bids, tenders, and overall project direction.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong experience in aquatic ecology, with the ability to lead surveys and produce high-quality technical outputs.
• In-depth knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and licensing requirements.
• Proven experience in conducting Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA).
• A solid understanding of Water Framework Directive assessments and associated biological metrics.
• Expertise in fisheries, macroinvertebrate, or macrophyte ecology.
• Excellent written reporting skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple deadlines efficiently.

Day-to-Day

• Conduct field surveys and oversee data collection for aquatic ecological assessments.
• Analyse ecological data and prepare detailed technical reports.
• Collaborate with project managers and technical leads to ensure project delivery.
• Engage with stakeholders, including statutory bodies and regulators, to provide expert advice.
• Mentor and support junior team members, fostering their professional growth.
• Participate in the preparation of tenders and proposals to secure new business opportunities.

Benefits

The organisation fosters an inclusive and collaborative culture, encouraging technical specialists to develop their expertise and broaden their experience. Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working, are available to support individual needs.

Core benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 flexible bank holidays.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Payment of professional subscriptions.
• Flexible benefits tailored to your lifestyle.
• Comprehensive support for physical and mental wellbeing.

This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in aquatic ecology while contributing to meaningful environmental projects. If you are passionate about aquatic ecology and ready to take on a leadership role, we encourage you to apply.