Aquatic Ecological Consultant

• Full-time

Join us in shaping a future where nature and business thrive together

At Thomson, our purpose is simple but powerful:
to enable nature and business to thrive together
.

We’re building a reputation as the UK’s most
innovative, pragmatic and fast-growing environmental consultancy
. Our ambition is to be the
first choice for clients
and the
employer of choice for environmental professionals
.

With offices across the UK, our multidisciplinary experts deliver exceptional outcomes across terrestrial and freshwater ecology, hydrology, marine science, GIS, habitat management, arboriculture and environmental impact assessment.

We are seeking an aquatic consultant to join our dynamic Water team. You will be responsible for managing and delivering complex aquatic projects - leading surveys, conducting data analysis, and preparing technical reports. As a technical expert, you will produce accurate, concise reports and environmental assessments to meet regulatory and investigatory standards in riverine and estuarine environments.

Surveys will include but won’t be limited to; macroinvertebrates, fish, habitat and water quality surveys of rivers and lakes. If you are a motivated and skilled professional looking to make a significant impact and develop your career, we invite you to apply and join our growing team.

The role can be based anywhere across England or Wales.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver aquatic ecology and/ or hydrology projects, including macroinvertebrate surveys and consenting projects with supporting environmental assessments.
• Produce high quality reporting and assessment deliverables for clients, within allocated time and budget constraints.
• Coordinate field surveys, liaise with clients and landowners, and ensure compliance with Thomson’s methods.
• Assist in business development by preparing tenders, quotes, and supporting revenue growth.
• Stay updated on ecology / hydrology relevant legislation and survey techniques, for continuous professional development.

Example field project deliverables: preliminary ecological appraisals, ecological clerk of works, macroinvertebrate and water quality monitoring, fish surveys, modular river habitat surveys, water level monitoring and flow gauging.

Example environmental assessments: nutrient neutrality assessments, Water Framework Directive assessments, Habitat Regulations Assessments, Environmental Impact Assessments, Marine Plan Policy Assessments, Flood Risk Assessments, Flood Risk Activity Permits and Marine License Applications.

Example project objectives: Water Restoration Fund studies, habitat compensation studies, habitat surveys to inform BNG for fish pass projects, drought permit monitoring, storm overflow assessment, surveys and assessments to support planning and consent requirements.

Required Qualifications &

Experience:

• Proven experience in aquatic ecology, hydro-ecology, or related fields.
• Strong technical knowledge of ecology / hydro-ecology survey techniques, assessments, legislation, and project management.
• Full, clean UK driving licence and ownership / access to a car with business insurance.

Key

Skills:

• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently.
• Experience at Assistant Consultant or Consultant level in environmental consultancy.
• Expertise in biological indices and surveys to assess aquatic ecosystem health, including macroinvertebrate surveys and analysis,
• Experience in hydro-ecology monitoring (water quality, water level, flow gauging).

Working at Thomson

At Thomson, we strive to be the very best at what we do—for our clients and for each other.

We believe in
One Thomson
: valuing every individual’s unique skills and experiences, and…