Consultant Aquatic Ecologist

Consultant Aquatic Ecologist

Glasgow
£30,000–£34,000 + benefits

An established environmental consultancy is looking to appoint a Consultant-level Aquatic Ecologist to join its growing UK ecology team that currently sits at a headcount of 180 with 30 in Scotland. This is a permanent, full-time role offering hybrid working, with flexibility to be based across the UK. Based in Glasgow with a mix of homeworking and client site work.

This is an opportunity for an early-career aquatic specialist to develop their technical skills across a wide range of freshwater, estuarine and coastal projects. You’ll work on everything from small streams and ponds to major rivers, lakes, reservoirs and coastal systems, supporting both infrastructure and restoration-focused projects.

The Role

As a Consultant Aquatic Ecologist, you will be involved in:

• Undertaking aquatic field surveys and collecting high-quality ecological data
• Supporting the delivery of baseline surveys, monitoring programmes and ecological assessments
• Contributing to technical reports, tenders and ecological inputs for wider project teams
• Assisting with project coordination, including managing tasks, timelines and deliverables
• Working closely with senior colleagues to support project delivery and client expectations
• Developing your technical knowledge through CPD, training and hands-on project experience
• Working in line with internal SHEQ processes and demonstrating professional integrity

This role will involve travel and occasional overnight stays during survey periods.

About You

Essential

• Degree in a relevant environmental or ecological discipline
• Relevant experience in aquatic ecology since graduation
• Experience in at least some of the following:
• Water quality sampling / monitoring
• Macroinvertebrate sampling (e.g., kick sampling)
• Flow gauging / hydrology surveys
• Macrophyte surveys
• Electrofishing, seine netting or fish rescue support
• Aquatic habitat assessments (e.g., RHS, RCS, MoRPh)
• Understanding of relevant legislation (e.g., WFD, SAFFA, Eels Regulations)
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Desirable

• Species licences (e.g., white-clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel)
• Membership of CIWEM, IFM or CIEEM
• Experience supporting WFD assessments, EcIAs or HRAs
• Interest in aquatic habitat improvement or restoration projects

Salary & Benefits

Additional benefits include:

• 25 days holiday plus statutory holidays and flexible buy-leave options.
• Company pension, life assurance and health cash plan.
• Paid mileage and TOIL policy.
• Structured CPD, training and clear progression routes.
• Supportive, collaborative team environment with hybrid working and regular field work.