Assistant Freshwater Ecologist

Salary - £29,733 to £31,553

Permanent

UKCEH is looking for an experienced Assistant Freshwater Ecologist to join our 600-strong team, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

As a valued member of our team, you’ll get:

- 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years
- 10% employer pension contribution
- 24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues plus access to our trained Welfare Officers
- Flexible working opportunities

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An opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Freshwater Ecologist to join our friendly and passionate team of field and lab scientists within our Lake Ecosystems Group based in Lancaster. Working within our Water Resources Science Area, you’ll assist our Fish Ecologist in strengthening our freshwater freshwater ecology capabilities. These involve activities such as rare fish conservation, ecosystem evaluation, and addressing socio-economic aspects linked to subsistence fisheries abroad.

Under the supervision of our Fish Ecologist, you will have a key role in establishing and continually enhancing our fish ecology capabilities and contribute to vital research into the way in which our freshwaters are changing.

Much of the fieldwork you’ll be undertaking will be conducted on lakes in the beautiful and iconic surroundings of the English Lake District, as well as further afield. You will undertake field-based sampling of fresh waters, including supporting the monitoring of fish populations and boat-based water quality monitoring. You will also work on a diverse range of other projects with tasks focused in the laboratory, at outdoor experiment facilities, and in the field.

You'll also have the chance to collaborate with a highly skilled and enthusiastic multi-disciplinary team, with the opportunity to further develop your technical and analytical skill set. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on collaboration, is motivated to enhance their skills and invest in personal growth, and find satisfaction in working independently with autonomy.

Your main responsibilities will include:

- Campaign-based and routine fieldwork assistance, including boat-based long-term ecosystem monitoring in the English Lake District.
- Laboratory analysis of water samples to determine their chemical and biological properties.
- Collection and analysis of water and biological samples and measurements from a large-scale outdoor experimental facility.
- Support and undertaking of surveys of freshwater fish populations in lakes and other freshwater ecosystems.
- Fish husbandry and sampling for large-scale mesocosm experiments.

This position primarily involves on-site work, with laboratory analysis making up 70% of the responsibilities, while the remaining time is spent working from the office.

For the role of Assistant Freshwater Ecologist, we’re looking for somebody who has:

- An environmental science, ecology, or geography qualification (e.g., HNC/HND/Degree).
- Demonstrable knowledge/experience of freshwater fish population survey methods.
- Some previous experience working within a laboratory setting, working with laboratory methods for freshwater analyses
- Strong numeracy skills and proficiency in analysing and interpreting ecological data.
- Capable of independent work and effective time management.
- Eagerness and readiness to acquire new skills and undergo training.
- Openness to working outdoors in diverse weather conditions and terrains
- Previous experience of boat handling and the towing of trailers would be highly advantageous, although full training will be provided

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to meet. To apply, please send us your CV, accompanied by a covering letter which highlights any relevant skills and experience you feel would be well suited for this particular role.