Senior/Principal Hydro-ecologist

Overview

Binnies is a leading environmental consultancy looking to grow our water and catchment capabilities to support teams in delivering water projects across the UK. We work across the UK, delivering high‑impact projects in the water environment involving science, policy, and management, ensuring the long‑term health of aquatic ecosystems.

The Role

As a Hydro‑ecologist, you will play a pivotal role in undertaking hydro‑ecology investigations, supporting catchment‑based studies and restoration projects and shaping the strategic direction of our water and catchment services within the environmental services team. You will lead projects, providing senior‑level technical expertise, and drive innovation in hydro‑ecology in freshwater environments across our Environmental Services team. This role will also involve client engagement, supporting the team leader with business development, and mentoring of senior and junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Leading hydro‑ecological assessments for a range of clients and sectors.
• Developing or applying habitat and biological response models to hydro‑ecological investigations.
• Supporting the development of staff within our water and catchment team.
• Undertaking technical reporting and consultations for a wide range of projects, coordinating inputs from colleagues.
• Supporting the delivery of a wide range of other environmental assessments (e.g. preliminary ecological appraisals, ecological impact assessment, Water Framework Directive compliance reporting and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments) across a range of projects such as nationally important infrastructure projects and work for regulators and water companies.
• Supporting business development and bidding for work with internal and external clients.

About You

• Experience of hydro‑ecology investigations, including as part of catchment studies.
• Experience in Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) studies.
• Experience working on low flow, Water Framework Directive or Catchment level investigations.
• Experience of designing or coordinating freshwater ecological monitoring programmes.
• Experience in managing and analysing environmental datasets.
• Relevant degree.
• Chartered membership of a professional body.
• Full driving licence.

Other Desired Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of the National Framework for Water Resources – Environmental Destination Investigation Framework (UKWIR, /WR/02/20) and the hydro‑ecological tools discussed therein.
• An understanding of Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Freshwater Habitats (JNCC, 2016) and Freshwater Fauna.
• Knowledge of, or experience in, the development or use of bespoke flow targets for fish and macroinvertebrates.
• Knowledge and understanding of the main (NVC) freshwater wetland plant communities and their environmental dependencies.
• Appreciation of mechanisms of groundwater and surface water interaction with plant communities and habitats and its importance in maintaining their healthy status.

Benefits

• Private Health Insurance
• Income Protection
• High Street Vouchers
• Life Assurance
• Annual Leave Purchase
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Mental Health Support
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

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