Assistant Aquatic Ecologist

Assistant Aquatic Ecologist - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

Codford, Wiltshire with regular travel across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and the wider South of England.

Full time

Fixed Term Contract

Five Rivers are a widely recognised industry specialist in the consultation, design and delivery of ecological, environmental and civil engineering solutions. With over 25 years of working with nature, the business continues to experience sustained growth, driven by a strong customer focus, technical excellence and an ability to attract, develop and retain exceptional people.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Aquatic Ecologist to join our Water & Environment Monitoring team on a seasonal contract, supporting a wide range of freshwater monitoring and river survey projects across the south of England. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career to gain practical, hands‑on experience working alongside experienced aquatic ecologists in a busy and rewarding field environment.

The role is based from our office in Codford, Wiltshire, with regular travel to project sites across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and the wider South of England. The position involves frequent fieldwork and periods of staying away from home during the working week where required. Accommodation and subsistence are provided in line with company policy.

This is a seasonal role from June to November
, involving regular travel and periods of staying away from home where required.

You will support the delivery of aquatic monitoring and freshwater ecology surveys across rivers, streams and wetlands, contributing to projects that help improve and protect freshwater environments.

Working closely with experienced ecologists and monitoring specialists, you will assist with fish surveys, habitat assessments, water quality monitoring, hydrometry and ecological data collection. Most days will be spent outdoors in the field, often working in and around water.

This role is ideal for someone looking to develop practical ecological survey skills and gain valuable industry experience within a supportive and knowledgeable team environment.

• Assist with fish surveys, fish rescues and habitat assessment
• Support macroinvertebrate and aquatic plant surveys
• Carry out water quality sampling and monitoring
• Assist with flow gauging and telemetry site visits
• Record field data accurately using field sheets, tablets and software
• Prepare, maintain and decontaminate survey equipment
• Work safely in accordance with RAMS and company procedures
• Support senior ecologists with reporting and data management

• We welcome applicants from both further education and degree-level backgrounds in land-based, agricultural, environmental or biological subjects (e.g. BTEC, Diploma, T Level, or degree, or currently studying towards these).
• Some practical fieldwork experience in an ecological, environmental or outdoor setting — this may include college placements, volunteering or seasonal work
• A basic understanding of freshwater ecology and awareness of aquatic survey work such as fish surveys, invertebrate sampling and habitat assessments
• Awareness of protected freshwater species and the importance of wildlife legislation and biosecurity
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including wading in flowing water, boat working and carrying equipment across rough ground
• Willingness to travel widely across the south of England and stay away from home during the working week when required
• Good attention to detail and accurate field data recording skills