Aquatic Ecologist

RSK’s internationally recognised ecology team are currently recruiting a high-calibre Aquatic Ecologist to compliment our expanding aquatic ecology business. The preferred office base would be Coventry but for the right candidate we would consider applications to be based at our Bristol, Hemel Hempstead or Helsby offices. All applicants would need to be willing to travel throughout the UK to undertake surveys or meet with clients and occasionally work from other RSK offices. Applications are welcome from candidates at Consultant, Senior Consultant or Principal grades.

All of our ecologists work as a close-knit team with a strong focus on sharing expertise through training and professional development.  The successful candidate will join a supportive team that includes experienced aquatic and terrestrial ecologists. The primary focus of the role will be aquatic ecology but we would also welcome candidates with other interests and experience, particularly those that hold protected species licences. Though we are well known for working on large infrastructure projects, we also work on a wide variety of smaller developments as well as more unusual projects for nature conservation charities and government bodies.

To find out more about the Ecology team and projects follow us on Twitter @RSKEcology or have a look at the relevant web pages:

Aquatic Ecology = https://www.rsk.co.uk/item/1069-aquatic-ecology-services.html

Terrestrial Ecology = https://www.rsk.co.uk/item/646-ecological-services.html

Aquatic Ecologist – Coventry

The main responsibilities of this role will include: 

• Assisting in the planning and undertaking of aquatic surveys including:
  • Fish (electrofishing, seine netting, fyke trapping)
  • Macroinvertebrate sampling
  • Crayfish surveys
  • Habitat surveys
  • Fish passage and screening assessments
  • Water quality surveys
  • Spot flow gauging
  • Production of tenders and reports
  • Project management, report writing and delivery
  • Representing RSK at external meetings, workshops and conferences

Desired experience

• Previous experience in ecological consultancy (with a focus on aquatic ecology surveys) and demonstrable knowledge of freshwater ecology (essential)
• Electrofishing experience (desirable)
• Macroinvertebrate survey / sampling experience (desirable)
• Crayfish survey experience (desirable – White-clawed crayfish survey licence an advantage)
• Experience in spot flow gauging (desirable)
• Experience in survey planning (desirable)
• Experience of macroinvertebrate identification / sample analysis (desirable)
• Experience in data analysis and reporting (essential)
• Experience in tender writing (essential)
• Membership of the IFM or CIEEM (desirable)
• RYA Powerboat level 2 (desirable)
  

Person specification

• Relevant degree or diploma in aquatic ecology or related field
• Full driving licence (essential)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good team player, with the ability to work independently
• Enthusiasm, energy and drive to develop skills and deliver projects to the highest standard
• Experience of and willingness to work in remote locations and cold/ wet weather
• Report and tender writing experience

The successful candidate will need to be prepared to travel and be happy to work away from home as and when required. Due to the nature of the work, successful candidates will need to be flexible on working hours.  Additional to the usual benefits, we also offer a 4-day week in the winter to compensate for longer working hours in the summer.

Salary and benefits

• £negotiable, depending on experience and grade
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays and private health care
• Regular training and career development 

We operate an open and relaxed management culture that nurtures continuous improvement and innovation. This also enables us to achieve a staff turnover rate that's consistently below the industry average. Adopting a proactive growth strategy helps us to run a sustainable and profitable business while providing new and exciting career opportunities for all.

As an entrepreneurial organisation, we encourage and foster the growth of our employees. When joining RSK, a mentor works with you to ensure you set and achieve your goals. We want to accelerate your professional development, including opportunities for a promotional fast track.

Further, retaining staff is the building block of a successful organisation. As a company, RSK wants to ensure you maintain a healthy work life balance, with many opportunities for flexible working hours, locality flexibility, social activities, and community involvement projects.

The company prides itself on providing its staff with a rewarding and challenging career, encouraging Continuous Professional Development, allowing employees to reach their full potential.  Having been recently placed within the top10 UK environmental consultancies (Environmental Analyst, December 2017) and number 42 in the Sunday Times Fast Track 200 which rates the success of private companies in the UK, there has never been a more exciting time to join.

All candidates applying for positions with RSK Group must be eligible to work in the UK/European Economic Area. Candidates should confirm this when applying with their CV and covering letter.

For more information please call Harriet Baker, HR Advisor on 07725 790908 or email hbaker@rsk.co.uk

RSK is committed to our Corporate Responsibility strategy. We seek to minimise our impact on the environment; to engage positively with the community and education groups; to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere in which to work; and to promote Corporate Responsibility throughout our supply chain.