Principal or Senior Hydroecologist

Overview

We’re more than just a water company. We're dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment, sustainability, and the communities we serve. By joining us, you’ll work with the latest technologies, driving forward-thinking projects that enhance and protect national infrastructure, making a real difference to the communities we serve.

With nearly 10,000 colleagues, we’re looking for brilliant people who are passionate about sustainability, eager to innovate, and ready to turn challenges into opportunities for a better future.

We are seeking a Principal or Senior Hydro ecologist on a 12 month FTC to play a crucial role in shaping our future, driving business improvement, and making a tangible impact on the environment. Join us and be part of a team that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous development.

• Understanding the ecological needs of our rivers:
  Working with our team of hydro-ecologists, hydrologists and hydro geologists to shape our sustainable water resources investment strategy. The outputs from your analysis will inform our long‑term investment plans and our Water Resources Management Plan.
• Expert support and advice:
  Lead specialist support and advice relating to hydro-ecology, river science and freshwater ecology. Lead technical work streams for environmental investigations and pilot studies and develop options for investment.
• Technical delivery:
  Lead the client-side technical delivery of Severn Trent’s statutory WINEP commitments for Environmental Destination, WFD and protected areas focusing on solutions to low flow problems. Ensure compliance with Water Framework Directive legal obligations and achieve our regulatory targets.
• Consultant management:
  Manage technical hydro‑ecology work packages delivered by consultants; ensure they meet the EA’s WINEP requirements as agreed in Measures Specification Forms and comply with EA’s WINEP and PR24 guidance.
• Regulatory trust:
  Build trust with regulators by ensuring accurate and timely information is provided to address their queries.

• Excellent understanding of freshwater biology and ecology and the relationship between ecology and flow/water quality.
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of environmental legislation.
• Experience working on water environmental projects relating to WFD, abstraction or climate change.
• A degree in freshwater ecology, environmental science or an equivalent qualification.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to travel.

We welcome people from all walks of life and celebrate individuality – diverse minds, experiences and backgrounds help us learn and better serve our communities.

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (and ability to buy/sell up to 5 days per year).
• Annual bonus scheme (up to £2,250 per annum based on company performance).
• Leading pension scheme – double your contribution up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%.
• Sharesave – opportunity to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate.
• Dedicated training and development through our Academy.
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers.
• Family‑friendly policies and two volunteering days per year.

Coventry – head office within our Asset Strategy team. The role requires 37 hours per week and a full UK driving licence.