About the role
Ready to lead a Water Ecology Team and help shape its future?
Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with an established and expanding environmental consultancy seeking an experienced Water Ecology Team Lead to manage and develop its specialist water team.
This opportunity would suit an aquatic ecologist, freshwater specialist or hydro-ecology professional looking to take the next step in their career, combining technical expertise with team leadership, commercial responsibility and strategic development.
You'll have the opportunity to influence how the team grows, support talented colleagues and oversee a varied portfolio of water environment projects across the UK.
The opportunity
As Water Ecology Team Lead, you will take responsibility for the successful delivery and continued development of the consultancy's water ecology services.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leading, mentoring and supporting a team of aquatic ecology professionals.
Overseeing project delivery, technical quality and resource planning.
Providing specialist guidance on complex freshwater and hydro-ecological assessments.
Managing budgets, forecasting and project profitability.
Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
Preparing and reviewing technical reports, proposals and tenders.
Identifying new business opportunities and supporting the expansion of the water team.
Encouraging professional development and maintaining high technical standards.
What projects could you be involved in?
The consultancy delivers a diverse range of water environment services, including:
Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments.
Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
Nutrient neutrality assessments.
Freshwater macroinvertebrate and water quality monitoring.
Fish surveys and aquatic habitat assessments.
River habitat surveys and ecological monitoring.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) and invasive species surveys.
Flow gauging and water-level monitoring.
Marine licensing and flood risk permitting.
You'll work alongside colleagues from complementary disciplines, including hydrology, terrestrial ecology, marine science, GIS and environmental assessment.
About you
We would welcome conversations with experienced professionals from aquatic ecology, freshwater ecology, hydro-ecology or related water environment disciplines.
Ideally, you will bring:
A strong technical background within environmental consultancy.
Experience managing projects, people or specialist technical teams.
Knowledge of relevant environmental legislation, assessment methodologies and regulatory requirements.
Confidence reviewing technical work and supporting colleagues.
Commercial awareness, including budgeting, client management and tender preparation.
An interest in developing services, building client relationships and contributing to business growth.
You may already be managing a team or working at Principal, Associate or Technical Director level and looking for an opportunity with greater responsibility and influence.
A full UK driving licence and access to an appropriately insured vehicle are required.
What can you expect?
Our client offers a collaborative working environment where technical expertise is valued and individuals are encouraged to develop their careers.
The benefits package includes:
Competitive salary reflecting experience.
Flexible hybrid and semi-remote working arrangements.
25 days' annual leave.
Enhanced pension contributions.
Healthcare cash plan and life insurance.
Paid professional memberships.
Internal and external training opportunities.
Performance-related rewards.
Discounted gym membership.
Regular team and company events.
Alongside these benefits, you'll have the opportunity to help shape a growing specialist service within a multidisciplinary consultancy.
Interested in exploring the opportunity?
Whether you're actively considering your next career move or simply curious about what a leadership position in water ecology could offer, we'd be pleased to have a confidential conversation.
At Ocean to Earth Recruitment, we focus on finding opportunities that align with your technical interests, professional ambitions and longer-term career goals.