Do you have experience in freshwater ecology sampling and analysis techniques? Are you looking for role that has a focus on our local environment? Do you love engaging with equally passionate people? If so, then we want to hear from you

**What can I expect?**

As a Freshwater Ecologist, you will be joining the Environmental Solutions team where you will support the Senior Environmental Scientist in the delivery of Wessex Water’s environmental investigations through the collection and analysis of ecology, river flow, groundwater and water quality data.

Within the role you will:

- undertake in-field ecological monitoring, including macroinvertebrate, macrophyte, diatom, sediment, habitat and fish surveys, as well as river flow
- assist in the design and implementation of investigations to ensure we meet our environmental obligations
- monitor groundwater level and water quality samples
- manage elements of the river ecology survey programme
- be responsible for the quality assurance and analysis of data and reporting it to the Environment Agency, Natural England and wider stakeholders to achieve project outputs
- provide monitoring and support services to other Wessex Water departments, the Environment Agency and stakeholders to meet licence requirements and agreements
- maintain current knowledge of monitoring and ecological methods, relevant legislation and issues to deliver the required standards of survey and reporting
- provide budget estimates and procuring equipment required to meet the project objectives
- liaise with stakeholders to obtain necessary permissions for undertaking the investigations.

**What do I need?**

To be successful you will have good working knowledge of spreadsheets and word processing with experience of ArcView and GIS. You will also be a confident communicator, who can explain complex topics into simple terms to a variety of people with varying levels of understanding.

In addition, you will have:

- experience in freshwater ecology sampling and analysis techniques
- freshwater invertebrate, fish and macrophyte identification skills
- a good understanding of the statistical analysis used in ecology
- a good understanding of environmental issues relating to the abstraction and discharge of water and water pollution
- knowledge of the tools available for hydro-ecology, hydrometry and water quality monitoring and data interpretation
- an understanding of project management
- an understanding of conservation and other environmental legislation
- health and safety experience, including the provision of risk assessments and method statements
- the ability to do fieldwork alone.

Due to the nature of this role, you will need to be a confident swimmer and hold a valid driving licence.

**Benefits for you**
- Pension - up to 20% combined contribution
- 25 days’ holiday rising to 28 with length of service
- Opportunity to buy and sell up to five days’ holiday
- Health benefits package
- Life assurance (up to four times your salary)
- Electric vehicle salary exchange
- Flexible working
- Cashback and discounts from over 1,200 retailers
- Paid volunteering day
- Enhanced family leave
- Interactive health and wellbeing platform
- Support from mental health first aiders
- £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone to work for us

**What will you get from us?**

Our people tell us Wessex Water is a great place to work, and they stay with us We are proud of how we support development and career progression. We have a wealth of both financial and non-financial benefits to offer our people and are committed to ensuring we provide an environment that supports health and wellbeing and flexible working.

We continue to promote diversity and inclusion. With that in mind, we welcome all applicants.

We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer. Applicants who declare they have a disability or have previously served with the Armed Forces, and meet the minimum requirements for the job, will automatically be invited for an interview.

Please let us know if you require any additional support or adjustments to assist you in starting your journey with Wessex Water.

If you have what it takes to join this award-winning business and want to be part of our exciting journey and share in that success, then please get in contact with us to find out more.

**_Sound interesting? Please click APPLY to progress to the next step._