Job Description

Create places and spaces that matter.

Do you have the drive, skills and career potential to work with us as a freshwater ecologist, influencing environmental outcomes for our freshwater systems at the project level and beyond? We are seeking to expand our team of freshwater ecologists within AtkinsRealis' Water Management Consultancy. So, if you are looking to join an established team focused on the delivery of interesting and significant projects, framed by a strong culture of wellbeing, innovation and inclusivity, this is the place for you.


We have a huge variety of projects on-the-go at any one time. So when you start this role with us, it could take your career wherever your interests lie. You'll find everyone here is willing to pitch in and help because we all want you to succeed, and we're ready to help you grow.


When it comes to living your life, we want you to get the most out of it. So, talk to us about all our flexible and remote working policies that can support your personal priorities. Also, ask us about some of our recent pledges for Women's Equality, as well as being a 'Disability Confident' and 'Inclusive Employer.'"


AtkinsRealis is one of the world's most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies. Our global team of over 38,000 employees speaks over 70 languages and represents 130 nationalities across six continents. At AtkinsRealis, we offer more than just a job. We offer an opportunity to make a difference and shape the world to benefit future generations and the natural environment.


We understand the need for a diverse and flexible workforce, where a work-life balance is important. So, by default AtkinsRealis offers flexible working, where there is no fixed 9 'till 5, no need for a 5-day week, no requirement for a full-time contract, and no requirement to spend all your working time in the office. Our IT systems support homeworking, so where you have parental or carer duties; or you simply need to be elsewhere for a parcel, servicing your car, or waiting in for a tradesperson; AtkinsRealis will work for you. Similarly, AtkinsRealis' corporate social responsibility provides the opportunity to give something back to the community, and we run professional networks supporting groups such as local schools, charities, parents, those coming out of the armed-forces and women in engineering.


Our Water Management Consultancy operates at the interface between people and the water environment. Our key services cover all aspects of water management including aquatic ecology, hydromorphology, river restoration, flood and coastal erosion risk management, integrated catchment management, regulation and assurance, strategic asset management, water resources and water quality planning, hydrogeology and hydrology, climate futures and resilience, coastal and marine environmental management, natural capital and Biodiversity Net Gain assessment and economic appraisal. We have a reputation for technical excellence, innovation and actively shaping the future of our industry. We are a friendly and approachable team. We enjoy the work we do and have fun while doing it.


As an aquatic ecologist within our Water Management Consultancy, focused on freshwater habitats and species, you can expect to deliver river and wetland environmental assessments and support the restoration and enhancement our aquatic systems. Your work will produce tangible improvements within river catchments throughout the UK and overseas. The dynamic and influential relationship between our aquatic ecology team and our environmental, planning and engineering colleagues provide exceptional opportunities for you to develop your career.


The role is being advertised outside of our graduate recruitment programme but after 6 months the successful candidate(s) would be able to join this programme, if desired by the candidate and by mutual agreement.


Our team is close-knit, technically progressive and offers a wonderful opportunity for you to work with like-minded specialists. We operate national and international technical networks to develop and share the very best ideas and practice in our industry. We encourage the production of papers/articles and support our staff in presenting their work at conferences. We support staff in their career progression towards chartership and beyond.


You will have the chance to develop opportunities and support delivery through our increasing portfolio of UK water resource investigations, infrastructure planning and development support, and habitat management and design projects. We work for clients across the UK and overseas, including central government, regulators, water companies, NGOs and local authorities.


This Position is open for Birmingham, Bristol, Derby, Epsom, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Oxford or Peterborough Offices.

Your purpose:

To drive and secure positive outcomes for the environment, delivering technical consultancy services across a huge range of AtkinsRealis core markets and services. To integrate and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and bring your technical knowledge and influence to bear in securing the best outcomes for the environment and our clients. To support our national aquatic ecology team in providing ecological input to projects including field surveys and technical reporting, as well as assisting on the delivery of a wide range of catchment science projects with a focus on river and wetland function, habitat design, management and restoration, hydroecology, ecological impact assessment, Water Framework Directive compliance and Biodiversity Net Gain. To maintain excellent relationships with other professionals (environmental scientists, engineers, planning consultants) throughout AtkinsRealis to provide a consistent and integrated service to clients. To support the team with winning work from internal and external clients. To develop your technical skills through Continuing Professional Development.

What you can bring:

A degree in a relevant discipline with a strong focus on freshwater ecology. Good understanding of aquatic ecology assessment procedures and relevant UK and EU nature conservation legislation. Experience of undertaking river and wetland habitat/ecological walkover and species surveys. Numerate, literate and familiar with IT and software appropriate to the tasks undertaken (such as GIS, Excel and other Microsoft Products). Highly motivated and proactive; focussed on achieving and delivering technical excellence. Skilled at collaborative working, with good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively. Flexible and prepared to take on new challenges. Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills. Manage your own time and workload in collaboration with other team members. To succeed within this role, you must have a flexible, 'hands-on', proactive approach to your work. You must be able to work independently as well as part of a wider team and be comfortable applying your skills in a commercial environment.

Why work for AtkinsRealis?

We're ranked as one of LinkedIn's Top 25 Companies, where UK professionals want to work and stay once, they join. We've also made the Times Top 50 employers for women.


Our Infrastructure team uses innovation, new approaches and the power of data to help our clients deliver end-to-end projects and programmes for essential future infrastructure. And as the work becomes ever more complex, our employees continue to challenge the status quo.


We're committed to engineering better for people and our planet, from our global Engineering Net-Zero programme to creating social value through EDAROTH community housing. We're proud of our active employee networks creating awareness and allyship for our under-represented groups. Not to mention programmes supporting communities outside AtkinsRealis, including schools, charities, ex-forces and professionals returning after career breaks.

Security clearance:

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

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