Ecologist – (Consultant To Principal)

You’ll get all the benefits of being employed by us, while working on a variety of projects for our clients. Joining Waterman Aspen as an Ecologist will see you as a key member of the Water and Environment team and you can expect:

• A varied client base where you can apply and develop your skills
• Buy-in from clients to assist in your technical progression
• Further exposure to your chosen industry – increasing your awareness, knowledge and sharpening your skills
• The flexibility to broaden your horizons with each new secondment, without changing your employer
• Career development and training to reach your professional or academic qualification goals supported by our own network of mentors and managers
• Paid subscription to a professional body of your choice
• Regular social events and volunteering opportunities

Experience required

Essential

• Ecology & Field Surveys: Proven experience in conducting and coordinating protected species surveys (e.g., bats, great crested newts, badgers), invasive species surveys and certified in River Morphology Surveys in the UK.
• UK Habitat Classification: Strong working knowledge and hands‑on experience with UK Habitat Classification and Condition surveys, ensuring habitat types are accurately assessed and documented – including strong botany skills.
• Advanced Survey Techniques: Experience with advanced survey methods, such as camera trapping, emergence surveys, or acoustic monitoring for specific species.
• Ecological Reporting: Demonstrated ability to produce clear, precise, and compliant ecological reports, including species‑specific survey reports and habitat assessments, adhering to UK and EU regulations.
• Survey Coordination: Experience coordinating field surveys, managing multiple survey teams, and ensuring fieldwork is delivered to a high standard within specified timelines.
• Species Identification: Strong skills in identifying a wide range of protected and invasive species, both flora and fauna, across various habitats.
• Legislative Compliance: Knowledge of relevant UK wildlife legislation (e.g., Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) and planning policies related to species and habitat protection.
• Health & Safety: Understanding of health and safety protocols associated with ecological surveys, including risk assessments for fieldwork.
• GIS and Mapping Tools: Proficiency in using GIS software for habitat mapping and data analysis.

Desirable

• Licenses: Holding relevant protected species licenses (e.g., for bats or great crested newts) is highly advantageous.
• Chartered Status: Membership of a relevant professional body, such as CIEEM, or working towards chartership (e.g., Chartered Ecologist, CEcol).
• Invasive Species Management: Experience in developing and implementing invasive species management plans.
• Data Analysis: Experience with data analysis and habitat condition assessments, including familiarity with biodiversity metrics.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Experience liaising with clients, local authorities, and statutory bodies to ensure compliance with ecological standards and project requirements.
• Flexible Working: Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in various UK locations, often under challenging environmental conditions.

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