Principal Aquatic Ecologist

Overview

Stantec's Ecology Team partners with clients to deliver innovative, sustainable, and efficient solutions using contemporary approaches to solve complex environmental challenges.

We are seeking a Principal Aquatic Ecologist with a broad understanding of aquatic ecology to join our nationwide team. As we continue to expand our impact in environmental and regulatory services, our ideal candidate will demonstrate versatility across a wide variety of project deliverables, including both development impacts and water resources projects. We value both general expertise and individual specialisms, actively encouraging your unique interests while prioritising a wide-ranging skill set.

We're looking for a highly skilled and passionate Aquatic Ecologist to take a leading role in our team. You'll be instrumental in shaping and delivering aquatic ecology elements across major projects primarily within the water sector, while also supporting our work in energy, infrastructure, and development.

Responsibilities

• Provide broad technical input and lead or contribute to the full spectrum of aquatic ecology survey and impact assessment activities across diverse project types, including drought planning, water resource management, and environmental restoration.
• Design and oversee surveys for macroinvertebrates, fish, macrophytes, and invasive species, and contribute technical input to environmental impact assessments and Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance work.
• Engage with projects from land development impacts to water abstraction, pollution investigations, and resource management, balancing ecological needs with industry objectives.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams; mentor junior colleagues; and foster knowledge sharing.
• Build relationships with clients, regulators, and stakeholders, supporting business development, proposals, and client management.

Qualifications

• Seasoned aquatic ecologist with broad knowledge of UK aquatic ecology, spanning freshwater environments, with some exposure to marine or transitional settings.
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and interpreting aquatic ecology and water quality surveys for EIA, HRA, WFD, and other relevant frameworks.
• Ability to assess a wide variety of ecological impacts, from infrastructure development to operational water resources projects.
• Familiarity with assessment tools (e.g., RICT, DARLEQ2/3), ecological reporting software, and GIS for data analysis.
• Strong survey technique capabilities across multiple taxa and habitats; ability to apply best practice methodologies.
• Specialisms such as fish ecology, invasive species, restoration, or hydro-ecology are encouraged and supported for professional development.
• Strategic insight and commercial awareness, including experience leading projects and developing client relationships.
• Academic background: degree in environmental science, aquatic ecology, or a related field; progress toward or attainment of Chartered Status (e.g., CEnv, CEcol) and membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIEEM, IFM, RSB) are preferred.

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 32,000 employees working in over 450 locations across six continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective solutions, translating our clients' vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We aim to deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn't exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

If you need any support or adjustments to be made, please contact and we will discuss how we can support you.

We are eager to welcome you to our dynamic team.