Freshwater Ecologist (Water Management Consultancy)

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This Position is open for Derby, Glasgow, Peterborough, Epsom, Birmingham and Bristol Offices.

Do you have the drive, skills and career potential to work with us as an experienced freshwater ecologist, influencing environmental outcomes for our freshwater systems at the project level and beyond? We are seeking to further expand our team of aquatic ecologists within AtkinsRéalis’ Water Management Consultancy. So, if you are looking to join an established team focused on the delivery of interesting and significant projects, framed by a strong culture of wellbeing, innovation and inclusivity, this is the place for you.

Our Water Management Consultancy operates at the interface between people and the water environment. Our key services cover all aspects of water management including aquatic ecology, hydromorphology, river restoration, flood and coastal erosion risk management, integrated catchment management, regulation and assurance, strategic asset management, water resources and water quality planning, hydrogeology and hydrology, climate futures and resilience, coastal and marine environmental management, natural capital assessment and economic appraisal.

As a freshwater ecologist, focused on freshwater habitats and species, you can expect to deliver river and wetland environmental assessments and support the restoration and enhancement our aquatic systems, seeing your work produce tangible improvements within river catchments throughout the UK and overseas. The dynamic and influential relationship between our aquatic ecology team, water resource specialists and our engineering design and planning colleagues provide exceptional opportunities for you to develop your career.

AtkinsRéalis is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies, with over 36,000 employees worldwide. At AtkinsRéalis, we offer more than just a job. We offer an opportunity to make a difference and shape the world to benefit future generations and the natural environment. 

As part of this commitment, we understand the need for a diverse and flexible workforce, where a work-life balance is important. So, by default AtkinsRéalis offers flexible working, where there is no fixed 9 ‘till 5, no need for a 5-day week, no requirement for a full-time contract, and no requirement to spend all your working time in the office.  Our IT systems support homeworking, so where you have parental or carer duties; or you simply need to be elsewhere for a parcel, servicing your car, or waiting in for a tradesperson; AtkinsRéalis will work for you.  Similarly, AtkinsRéalis’ corporate social responsibility provides the opportunity to give something back to the community, and we run professional networks supporting groups such as local schools, charities, parents, those coming out of the armed-forces and women in engineering.

You should have a strong technical portfolio in freshwater habitat and species environmental assessment and exhibit strong collaborative and network behaviours to interface with other technical specialists. You will have the chance to develop opportunities and support projects through our increasing portfolio of UK water resource investigation and international work, alongside our staff in Canada, USA, India, Africa and Asia Pacific. As a major engineering, environmental and design consultancy, AtkinsRéalis offers opportunities for talented consultants to work on a wide variety of high-profile projects.

Responsibilities:

Joining a well-established and successful team, you will be pivotal in delivering freshwater focused ecological impact and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments for a diverse client and project portfolio. You will be responsible for identifying and developing opportunities to deliver positive biodiversity outcomes from your project work, notably including projects for which Biodiversity Net Gain is, or will soon become, mandatory.

You will also:

• Support in the delivery of other environmental assessments (e.g., preliminary ecological appraisals and Water Framework Directive compliance reporting).
• Co-ordinate ecological inputs (including baseline field surveys) to projects.
• Support our national aquatic ecology team and wider business with work winning activities as we continue to grow our environmental assessment capability.
• Contribute to the continuous development of our technical approaches and maintain excellent relationships with other professionals (environmental scientists, engineers, planning consultants) throughout Atkins to provide a consistent and integrated service to clients. 

Requirements:

Ideally someone with experience of undertaking a range of environmental assessments focused on freshwater aquatic habitats and species. A degree in a relevant discipline is essential and a post-graduate qualification desirable (with focus on Aquatic Ecology/Water-Catchment Management), with ideally 3 year’s consultancy experience. The right candidate would be willing to work towards securing chartership, with support and mentorship from Chartered colleagues within AtkinsRéalis.

All applicants will need to demonstrate experience of working on large infrastructure projects as part of a multidisciplinary team and have a proven ability to undertake a thorough technical investigation, that presents well-structured, concise evidence-based findings (verbal or written).  The role requires someone highly numerate, literate and familiar with IT and basic software appropriate to the tasks undertaken (Microsoft products, with other products such as GIS being advantageous but not essential). Experience of specifying, undertaking and managing the delivery of river and wetland habitat / aquatic ecological walkover and species surveys is desirable, as is MoRPh survey accreditation.

You will be highly motivated, enthusiastic, proactive and focussed on achieving and delivering technical excellence. Skilled at collaborative working, have good interpersonal skills, be a great communicator and be able to generate innovative outcomes to challenges and follow them through. In addition, you will need to be flexible, adaptable and prepared to take on new challenges.

What we offer? 

AtkinsRéalis recognise that there are many well qualified people who are looking to further their career, but who cannot commit to full time employment. We support flexible working arrangements and are interested to discuss how we can accommodate individual requirements.  As part of this commitment, we understand the need for a diverse and flexible workforce, where a work-life balance is important. So, by default AtkinsRéalis offers flexible working, where there is no fixed 9 ‘till 5, no need for a 5-day week, no requirement for a full-time contract, and no requirement to spend all your working time in the office. 

Rewards and Benefits: 

We offer a competitive salary that is regularly tested against other consultants with a default 25-days leave each year plus bank holidays and options to buy some or sell of that leave. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

New name, new era. We are AtkinsRéalis. It will take some time for all our information to update – you can still refer to our fantastic benefits via the link below: 

YourReward at AtkinsRéalis (atkinsrealis.com) 

Training: 

AtkinsRéalis is committed to developing its people both personally and professionally. Our colleagues have the advantage of access to a high ranging training portfolio and development activities designed to help make the best of individual’s abilities and talents. We also actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions. 

Additional Information: 

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance.  If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance. 

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. 

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