Our Water Management Consultancy operates at the interface between people and the water environment. Our key services cover all aspects of water management including: flood and coastal erosion risk management, integrated catchment management, regulation and assurance, strategic asset management, water resources and water quality planning, hydrogeology and hydrology, aquatic ecology, hydromorphology and river restoration, climate futures and resilience, coastal and marine environmental management, and economic appraisal.
Atkins Background
At Atkins 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.
Being Highly Commended by CIEEM in 2019 and awarded CIEEM’s Large Consultancy of the Year 2018, the Atkins ecology team are one of the most respected in the UK. We have a reputation for technical excellence, innovation, award winning and actively shaping the future of the ecology industry.
We are now seeking to expand our team of aquatic ecologists within Atkins’ Water Management Consultancy. If you are looking to deliver interesting and significant projects, influence environmental outcomes at the project level and beyond, and work within a strong culture of wellbeing, innovation and inclusivity, this is the place for you.
As an aquatic ecologist, focused on freshwater habitats and species, you can expect to deliver river and wetland ecological assessment, enhancement and restoration, as well as hydro-ecological investigation and mitigation to drive tangible improvements within river catchments throughout the UK and overseas. Our aquatic ecologists have been involved in prestigious restoration and design projects, such as the award-winning Wensum Restoration Strategy and the creation of new wetland landscapes within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. By joining Atkins, you will have opportunities to be involved in a range of high profile ventures like these.
The dynamic and influential relationship between our aquatic ecology team and our engineering design and planning colleagues provide exceptional opportunities for you to develop your technical and commercial skills.
We value flexible working within our team and would encourage working from different offices across the region, flexible working hours and working from home as part of regular working. The role would preferably be based from our Derby, Peterborough or Glasgow Office (other office locations may be considered depending on candidate’s experience) but working with key specialists from our other national office bases (including Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Epsom, Oxford, Peterborough, London, Swansea and Warrington).
Still unsure? See what our ecologists have to say about working at Atkins: https://careers.atkinsglobal.com/ecology-careers
Requirements
• A degree in a relevant discipline and preferably relevant post-graduate qualification (with focus on Water/Catchment Management).
• Ideally a minimum of 2 years consultancy experience.
• Demonstrable experience in the delivery of EcIA with a focus on freshwater habitats and species. Experience of working on large infrastructure projects is desirable.
• Working knowledge of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the tools used in the assessment of ecological status, plus WFD compliance assessment experience is desirable.
• Experience of hydro-ecological investigation, HRA and water resource management.
• Experience of managing the delivery of freshwater fieldwork programmes and undertaking river and wetland habitat/ecological walkover and species surveys. Accredited RHS/MoRPh surveyor status is desirable.
• Applicants must be numerate, literate and familiar with IT and software appropriate to the tasks undertaken.
• Knowledge of programme, resource and financial management
• Experience of bid preparation is desirable
• Chartered (e.g. CEnv, CSci, CEcol) or with a professional registration actively working towards chartered status.
• Have a valid driving license, be available to travel across the UK and occasionally overseas.
Responsibilities
The role involves, but is not limited to:
• Leading technical inputs to aquatic ecological assessments and field surveys within the EcIA process.
• Managing and supporting the delivery of projects within our national aquatic ecology team.
• Co-ordinating ecological inputs to projects.
• Undertaking technical reporting for a wide range of projects.
• Working collaboratively with other Atkins’ businesses.
• Responding to enquiries and providing input to bids for the future success of the business.
• Maintaining excellent professional relationships with both colleagues and external clients and regulators, which can lead to securing repeat business.
• Working effectively as part of a team and with other professionals (environmental scientists, engineers, planners) throughout Atkins to provide a consistent and integrated service to our clients.
• Developing your technical and project management skills through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Managing your own time and workload in collaboration with other team members.
The Individual
• Highly motivated and proactive; focussed on achieving and delivering technical excellence.
• Skilled at collaborative working, have good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively.
• Client focused and a high level of relationship management skills.
• Strong reputation and high level technical performance.
• Flexible and prepared to take on new challenges.
• Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills.
• Chartered status or working towards getting chartered through CIEEM, CIWEM or equivalent.
Training and Development
Atkins develops individuals through a portfolio of training and development activities designed to help its staff make the best of their abilities and talents. This includes our in-house Academy system, competency framework system and our Professionals Programme (for senior staff). Personal development is reviewed through a bi-annual appraisal process and mentoring support. We actively support staff in achieving membership of relevant professional institutions and attaining chartership and were one of the first companies awarded the status of Chartered Environmentalist Employer Champion.
Rewards and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to develop and learn new skills in a supportive and friendly environment. For full details of our benefits package please refer to our website.
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
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.
