Senior or Principal Hydroecologist

Job Title: Senior or Principal Hydroecologist
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 (dependent on experience)
Location: West Midlands, Devon, or West Yorkshire with hybrid working options - other office locations can be considered for the right candidate.
Type: Permanent, Hybrid

Our client is seeking a Senior or Principal Hydroecologist to lead fish pass designs and river restoration projects as part of their growing Catchment and River Restoration Team (CRRT). This role plays a pivotal part in advancing sustainable river management, with a focus on enhancing fish ecology, promoting nature-based solutions, and supporting climate resilience. The position offers the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team, collaborate on innovative projects, and contribute to both technical and professional development within the field.

Our client is a UK-based, employee-owned environmental consultancy known for their commitment to sustainability and resilience to climate change. They operate independently and prioritise the professional growth and well-being of their staff, with a strong emphasis on client service and environmentally sustainable solutions.

• Project Leadership: Lead the design and delivery of fish pass and river restoration schemes, effectively managing client relationships and project outcomes.
• Technical Expertise: Interpret hydraulic models to assess fish ecology impacts, analyse fish population data, and collaborate with teams on detailed design drawings.
• Mentorship and Development: Mentor junior team members, support their technical development, and contribute to knowledge-sharing within the team.
• Client Engagement and Business Development: Maintain proactive communication with clients, prepare bids and tenders, and support business growth through effective client engagement.
• Collaborative Delivery: Work closely with ecologists, engineers, and geomorphologists to create multi-disciplinary, nature-based solutions for environmental restoration and flood risk management projects.

• Educational Background: Degree in Freshwater Ecology, Fisheries Science, or related field.
• Professional Credentials: Chartered status through CIWEM, IFM, or equivalent institution (or close to achieving this).
• Experience: Proven background in fish pass design and river restoration projects, with skills in hydraulic model interpretation and fish ecology.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communicator with experience in client relations and project management.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to mentor others, manage workloads, and balance competing priorities.
• Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence required.

• Flexible Working: Hybrid working with flexible options to support work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Generous training budget, mentorship programmes, and support for professional qualifications.
• Health and Wellbeing: Employee wellbeing initiatives, including mental health resources, cycle-to-work scheme, and EV salary sacrifice scheme (UK).
• Financial Benefits: Employee-owned profit-sharing scheme.

Our client is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. They offer flexibility in working arrangements and are open to part-time schedules, supporting individuals returning to work or changing industries.

This role offers substantial career development potential within a company focused on environmental innovation and resilience. With access to a diverse portfolio of projects and a supportive interdisciplinary team, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact while developing your expertise.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.