Senior Ecologist

Job title: Ecologist – (Consultant to Principal) Type: Contractor Salary: Dependent on experience, skills and location An introduction to our unique company… Waterman Aspen welcomes engineers and technical specialists to make their mark by working on some of the biggest infrastructure projects or in delivering professional services across the UK.
We specialise in secondment services, providing the right people, with the right skills for the job, at the right time.
Our diverse client base includes local authorities, consultancies, public bodies and construction companies.
We take pride in supporting our colleagues throughout their careers.
We're a people-centric organisation, placing mutual respect and dignity in the highest regard.
This is reflected in our approach to issues such as mental health and wellbeing, family friendly policies, social value, and net zero.
We're a Disability Confident Employer and an accredited Real Living Wage Employer.
We have big ambitions for the future, and we'd love for you to be part of it.
Your career with Waterman Aspen… You'll get all the benefits of being employed by us, while working on a variety of projects for our clients.
Joining Waterman Aspen as an Ecologist will see you as a key member of the Water and Environment team and you can expect: A varied client base where you can apply and develop your skills Buy-in from clients to assist in your technical progression Further exposure to your chosen industry - increasing your awareness, knowledge and sharpening your skills The flexibility to broaden your horizons with each new secondment, without changing your employer Career development and training to reach your professional or academic qualification goals supported by our own network of mentors and managers Paid subscription to a professional body of your choice Regular social events and volunteering opportunities Experience required… Essential: Ecology & Field Surveys: Proven experience in conducting and coordinating protected species surveys (e.g., bats, great crested newts, badgers), invasive species surveys and certified in River Morphology Surveys in the UK.
UK Habitat Classification: Strong working knowledge and hands-on experience with UK Habitat Classification and Condition surveys, ensuring habitat types are accurately assessed and documented – including strong botany skills.
Advanced Survey Techniques: Experience with advanced survey methods, such as camera trapping , emergence surveys , or acoustic monitoring for specific species.
Ecological Reporting: Demonstrated ability to produce clear, precise, and compliant ecological reports, including species-specific survey reports and habitat assessments, adhering to UK and EU regulations .
Survey Coordination: Experience coordinating field surveys, managing multiple survey teams, and ensuring fieldwork is delivered to a high standard within specified timelines.
Species Identification: Strong skills in identifying a wide range of protected and invasive species, both flora and fauna, across various habitats.
Legislative Compliance: Knowledge of relevant UK wildlife legislation (e.g., Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) and planning policies related to species and habitat protection.
Health & Safety: Understanding of health and safety protocols associated with ecological surveys, including risk assessments for fieldwork.
GIS and Mapping Tools: Proficiency in using GIS software for habitat mapping and data analysis.
Desirable: Licenses: Holding relevant protected species licenses (e.g., for bats or great crested newts) is highly advantageous.
Chartered Status: Membership of a relevant professional body, such as CIEEM , or working towards chartership (e.g., Chartered Ecologist, CEcol).
Invasive Species Management: Experience in developing and implementing invasive species management plans .
Data Analysis: Experience with data analysis and habitat condition assessments, including familiarity with biodiversity metrics.
Stakeholder Liaison: Experience liaising with clients, local authorities, and statutory bodies to ensure compliance with ecological standards and project requirements.
Flexible Working: Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in various UK locations, often under challenging environmental conditions.