Principal Aquatic Ecologist

Love rivers and wetlands? Want to lead projects that make a real difference to biodiversity?

At Five Rivers, we’ve spent over 25 years working with nature, designing and delivering ecological and environmental solutions across the UK. We’re growing fast, and we’re looking for a Principal Aquatic Ecologist to help lead our Environment & Water team.

Reporting to our Head of Environment & Water, you’ll lead aquatic ecology projects from start to finish. You’ll bring your expertise in survey design, sampling, species identification and monitoring to deliver high-quality data that helps protect our rivers and wetlands now and in the face of climate change.

Safety and quality always come first. Alongside that, you’ll keep projects on track, on time and commercially strong.

• Lead projects to our Safety, Quality, Time and Commercial (SQTC) standards
• Build project plans and lead teams to deliver them
• Spot changes early, assess the impact and find solutions
• Manage budgets, forecasting and commercial reporting
• Build strong relationships with clients and suppliers
• Mentor, develop and support your team, helping them grow their careers
• Set revenue, profit and utilisation targets with the Head of Environment & Water
• Support our estimators to write winning bids and tenders
• Help grow the business by finding new opportunities and representing Five Rivers at conferences, webinars and in articles

• Experience managing projects, including health and safety, risk, budgets and timescales
• Expert knowledge of aquatic ecology, survey design, species identification and habitat assessment
• A strong understanding of UK conservation legislation and mitigation for protected aquatic species and habitats
• Experience writing or leading technical reports
• Confidence working with clients, regulators and stakeholders
• A track record of successful bids and tenders
• Experience working safely in, on and near water
• A degree (Level 6 or above) in an environmental subject
• Chartered status with a professional body such as CIEEM or IFM

• Up to £55,000 depending on experience
• 33 days leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Pay Care health cash plan
• Death in service cover
• Paid accommodation and subsistence if working away
• Access to company pool vehicles
• Paid time off for volunteering
• Ongoing training and career development

This is a hybrid role, with two days a week at our office in Codford, Wiltshire, and the rest working from home. You’ll also travel across the UK when projects need it.

We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to building an inclusive team.

Up to £55,000, depending on experience

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