Job Description

Principal Aquatic Ecologist + £2,000 Placement Bonus
Location: Perth, Scotland (Flexible Hybrid Working Available)
Salary: Up to £50,000

£2,000 Placement Bonus – See details below.

Lead the way in sustainable aquatic ecology with a growing environmental consultancy.

About the Company

Our client is a specialist environmental consultancy committed to creating practical, sustainable solutions that make a real difference. Their mission is to support responsible development while enhancing and protecting the natural environment.

With a supportive leadership team and an exciting period of growth, this is the perfect time to join and help shape the future of their Scottish aquatic ecology business.

The Role

As a Principal Aquatic Ecologist, you’ll provide technical leadership within the freshwater ecology team, ensuring the highest standards in project delivery, training, and internal processes.

This is a pivotal role where you’ll drive the growth and direction of the aquatic ecology division in Scotland, developing client relationships, mentoring your team, and steering projects from concept to completion. You’ll also play a key part in cross-disciplinary collaboration, bringing together teams across hydrology, ecology, and environmental management.

This is an ideal next step for someone with a passion for leadership, team development, and technical excellence.

What You’ll Do

• Provide technical leadership and development for the freshwater aquatics team.

• Manage and grow the aquatic ecology division, developing new client relationships.

• Oversee and review project delivery, ensuring high-quality technical outputs.

• Line manage and mentor team members, setting KPIs and supporting career growth.

• Contribute to multidisciplinary projects and collaborate with senior leadership.

• Lead technical work and maintain compliance with environmental accreditations.

• Represent the business at conferences, events, and industry forums.

• Prepare fee proposals, tenders, and manage project budgets.

• Identify and manage external specialist sub-contractors.

• Maintain a strong commercial focus, identifying market opportunities and risks.

What We’re Looking For

• 5–10 years experience in freshwater aquatic ecology.

• Relevant environmental degree or equivalent qualification.

• Chartered status (MCIEEM / CEcol / CEnv) preferred or equivalent memberships (IEMA, MIFM, CIWEM).

• Strong expertise in freshwater aquatic survey techniques and water quality monitoring.

• Advanced understanding of EIA and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).

• Proven leadership and management experience.

• Strong commercial awareness and project management skills.

• Knowledge of freshwater legislation, guidance, and policy.

• SFCC Team Lead Electrofishing qualification and/or NatureScot FWPM licence desirable.

• Full UK driving licence.

What’s on Offer?

• 20 days per annum CPD

• Paid Professional Membership

• 25 days annual leave + 9 Scottish bank holidays (increases with service)

• Paid Lunch

• Flexible TOIL / Balancing Hours Policy

• Private Healthcare Plan

• Company Pension Contribution

• Relocation package (within the UK) available for the right candidate

• Excellent career progression opportunities

How to Apply

Email your CV to: talent@talent-torch.co.uk
Apply online at: www.talent-torch.co.uk/vacancies

Take the next step in your aquatic ecology career—apply today.

How the Placement Bonus Works

Secure this role through Talent Torch and earn a £2,000 bonus:

• 50% paid within 14 days of employer payment

• 50% paid after completing 90 days in the role

• Direct applications or jobs secured via other means aren’t eligible

Full Terms & Conditions available on our website.

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