Water Ecology Team Leader

Advance TRS is working with a growing environmental consultancy to recruit a Water Ecology Team Leader to join its multidisciplinary environmental team on a predominantly remote basis in the UK.

This is a senior opportunity for an experienced aquatic ecology or hydro-ecology professional looking to combine technical leadership, project management, team development and business growth.

The successful candidate will lead a specialist water team, providing technical direction across complex aquatic and hydro-ecological projects while developing client relationships and supporting new business opportunities.

Key responsibilities will include

• Leading and developing a specialist water ecology team, including workload management, mentoring and training.
• Providing technical oversight and reviewing reports and environmental deliverables.
• Managing complex hydro-ecological projects from inception through to completion.
• Managing project budgets, forecasting and financial performance.
• Building and maintaining relationships with clients and supporting business development.
• Preparing and contributing to bids, tenders and proposals.
• Providing advice on aquatic ecology legislation, policy and best practice.
• Supporting delivery of surveys including macroinvertebrate, water quality, fish, habitat, eDNA and invasive species assessments.
• Contributing to environmental assessments including Water Framework Directive, Habitats Regulations, EIA and nutrient neutrality assessments.
• Supporting relevant permitting and licensing activities where required.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Professional experience within environmental consultancy.
• A strong background in aquatic ecology, freshwater ecology, hydro-ecology or a closely related discipline.
• Experience leading projects and providing technical advice.
• Demonstrable experience developing client relationships and winning new work.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic survey methodologies, environmental legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent technical report-writing and assessment skills.
• Previous experience managing or mentoring staff.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing project budgets.
• Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to problem solving.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with appropriate business insurance.

The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative environmental consultancy with opportunities to work across disciplines and contribute to technically challenging and high-profile projects.

The package includes 25 days' annual leave, healthcare support, enhanced pension contributions, life insurance, professional membership support, performance-related rewards and a range of additional employee benefits.

The role also offers flexible remote working, ongoing technical training and strong opportunities for career progression. Applicants must hold existing right to work in the UK and be resident in the UK in order to attend site visits.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.