Freshwater Ecologist

Number of jobs available- 2
- Region- East of England
- City/Town- Brampton, Ipswich
- Building/Site- Brampton Office, Iceni House
- Grade- Staff Grade 4
- Post Type- Permanent
- Working Pattern- Full Time
- Role Type- Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery, Science, Knowledge & Information Management
- Salary Minimum- £29,706
- Job description- We seek an experienced Freshwater Ecologist (Environmental Monitoring Officer) able to assist with delivering our programs of work.
The role will include field based ecological survey work (including investigation of pollution incidents), laboratory analysis of ecological samples, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
You’ll have a good understanding of how water quality and quantity impact on ecological communities and an ability to communicate this information clearly to a range of audiences.
We need someone with:

- A proven ability of freshwater invertebrate identification to mixed-taxon level
- Proven practical experience and familiarity with fieldwork and laboratory work.
- An ability to analyse, interpret and report ecology data.
- An ability to provide training and assistance to junior staff members.
- Experience of carrying out aquatic macrophyte and / or RHS surveys (ideally accredited in one or both).
- Experience in investigating the biological impact of pollution incidents.
- Sound understanding of biotic and abiotic interactions.
- Good communication skills.
- Knowledge of and confidence in liaising with internal and external teams and partners.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.
- The team- The team is responsible for ensuring chemistry, ecology and fishery monitoring programs collect the information we need for a variety of legislative, national and local requirements. The team is comprised of officers skilled at monitoring fieldwork, laboratory work, and with an expertise in assessing this multi-functional monitoring data and turning it into evidence. This evidence informs the wider business and ultimately helps underpin environmental improvements.
- Experience/skills required- Ideally you will be qualified to at least degree level or have a minimum of two years’ experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. ecology, environmental sciences, biology).
You must be trained in and have experience of:

- Identification of freshwater macroinvertebrates/plants
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Ecological survey work (such as macrophyte surveys, river habitat surveys)

Experience using Excel and Word is essential. You need to be able to work effectively on your own and within a team and be able to produce clear written work.
A full UK driving licence is essential.
You will be willing to undertake specialist training when necessary and there are fully funded opportunities to develop further academic/professional qualifications.
Contact and additional information- In East Anglia we want to create a diverse workplace where individuals are respected, valued and listened to. We’re all different, and by embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where we grow and learn together.
It is our ambition to champion diversity through building a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.