Freshwater Ecologist

We’re looking for two freshwater ecologists to join our Analysis and Reporting team based in the Solent and South Downs area. If you are passionate about the environment and have a keen interest or experience in aquatic ecology, this is an exciting opportunity to join the Environment Agency in a fulfilling role. There's lots of variety and we'll provide specialist training - so there are many opportunities to build expertise. Most of your time will be split between office and laboratory working, but you will also be required to work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations across various terrains.
- The main work areas are:
- Analysing and identifying macroinvertebrate and algal samples in our laboratory in Chichester.
- Carrying out river habitat and macrophyte surveys across Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
- Interpreting environmental data and writing compelling reports on our changing environment.
- Working with colleagues, customers and partners to inform and influence environmental management outcomes and improvements.
- Helping respond to drought, flooding and pollution incidents.

We will provide transport for field-working and our working patterns and locations are flexible. This includes appropriate working from home but you will need to work at our Chichester laboratory regularly.

The team
- Our friendly Analysis and Reporting team are experienced freshwater ecologists who will support your career development in monitoring freshwaters. We use a range of environmental data including flow, water quality and ecology, and fish population data to understand the pressures on the freshwater environment. We investigate the environmental issues identified and our data is used to underpin decisions to protect and improve the environment.

Experience/skills required
- You may have a degree (e.g., biology; environmental science), or other relevant experience and knowledge with a background or a keen interest in aquatic ecology and be able to demonstrate the following,- Experience or interest in invertebrate sampling and identification, aquatic algae, river habitat and macrophyte surveys.
- Species identification skills.
- Ability to analyse, understand and communicate data effectively.
- Experience using Excel spreadsheets, and able to write reports using standard and specialist software packages.
- Ability to complete a task whilst demonstrating a thorough attention to detail.
- You must be confident or experienced working in and around water.
- You must have a full driving licence or be able to demonstrate how you could perform this role fully without one.

Contact and additional information
- We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment.
- We support flexible working hours and practices.
- We also encourage you to keep developing your skills and professional knowledge throughout your career.-
- Interviews will be held in person at our Chichester office - date to be confirmed.