Aquatic Ecologist

As an Aquatic Ecologist at Five Rivers, you’ll be joining a team of passionate and proactive industry experts with sustainability at its core. Together we thrive on a supportive culture which nurtures development, innovation, and a collaborative approach to delivering our ecological services.

Five Rivers is widely recognised as an industry specialist in the consultation, design and implementation of ecological and environmental solutions. With over 25 years’ working with nature, the business is experiencing sustained growth driven by its customer centric focus and ability to attract and retain the best talent. Our capabilities are ever-expanding and encompass both terrestrial and aquatic habitat monitoring and enhancement with a true passion for rivers and wetlands.

Join us today and be part of our incredible journey!

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic monitoring team undertaking field-based sampling and surveying of surface water environments across the UK. The successful applicant will lead field teams in diligent data collection to recognised industry standards in aquatic habitats which include rivers, estuaries, and wetlands.  Our monitoring team continues to expand with growth as an AMP7 framework supplier/sub-consultant to the UK water industry and we require an Aquatic Ecologist to lead operational field teams.

You will be responsible for the safe and effective implementation of ecological surveys, and subsequent data management and report writing. The baseline data we collect is essential for evidence based environmental management by the construction, infrastructure, and water industry. The fieldwork will include, but not limited to, surveys of biological communities (fish, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes), physical characteristics (habitat assessment, river flow and levels) and chemical quality (water quality sampling). As a leader of operational field teams, you will mentor junior staff in the skills and knowledge required to fulfil their roles, and you will be invested in developing the team and ensuring quality is maintained. There will be opportunities to also support the wider team with activities such as bid proposals and with the management of small projects, including budget management and client liaison.  

The role will be based from our new Head Office at Thruxton Airfield, Hampshire. There is a requirement for travel across the UK for delivery of our programme as and when required by the business. 

The Ideal Candidate

As the ideal candidate you will be able to demonstrate relevant work experience (2 - 5yrs) in either the public or private sector undertaking aquatic survey and sampling. You will be confident survey leader with a broad knowledge of survey methodologies, ideally including competence and certification in electric fishing for the assessment of fish population surveys.

As an aquatic Ecologist you will have experience in assessing hazards, risk and implementing control measures, with specific focus on working in and around water. Leading teams in line with safe working methods will be second nature and you will be confident in always ensuring the health and safety of your team.

As a field leader of operational teams, you will have the ability to delegate and instruct others in the diligent delivery of ecological surveying to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the teams outputs, whilst also ensuring completion of surveys to agreed time scales.  In addition, these skills will give you the ability to mentor and train less experienced members of the team.

You will enjoy working outdoors in all weathers and have an interest in environmental management, protection, and enhancement. You will be organised, highly motivated, be an excellent communicator and can work as part of a team. As a team player you will enjoy building positive relationships with co-workers and offering solutions to challenges faced for achievement of our common goal.

Whilst fieldwork skills are essential there will be requirements for office-based task such as project planning, data management and analysis and reporting. You will be IT literate, confident using MS Office packages and excellent written skills to ensure success in the execution of your responsibilities.

Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience will be a core attribute that will allow you to adapt to a highly dynamic schedule of monitoring working across the UK. You will have the ability to swim, hold a clean driving licence and will work away from home in delivery of our programme.

Requirements

• A degree in a relevant subject
• Substantial previous experience in relevant work 
• Member of CIEEM, IFM or RSB
• Clean driving license
• Ability to swim
• Positive attitude and a team player
• CSCS
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 – desired but not essential
• Electric fishing certified – desired but not essential

Salary Range & Benefits

• £25,000 - £40,000
• Paid overtime
• PayCare
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Paid time off for volunteering 
• Company pension scheme
• An amazing and supportive company culture

Interested?

Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity. Are you the one we’re looking for? Apply now by clicking the link and providing the information requested.