33790 - Freshwater Ecologist
| Posting date: | 26 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,320 per year, pro rata |
| Additional salary information: | Fixed Term Up to 31/03/2027 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 19 April 2026 |
| Location: | Blandford Forum |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 5 days per week |
| Company: | Environment Agency |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 33790 |
Summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate freshwater ecologist to help create, analyse and report data on the ecological health of the aquatic environment in the Wessex.
You will carry out a range of tasks, including:
Analysing invertebrate samples to mixed-taxon level
Using a range of databases to enter and extract data
Analysing and reporting on multi-functional data to drive environmental outcomes
Working with internal teams and external stakeholders to influence and deliver projects with environmental benefits
Conducting ecological surveys in rivers and lakes
River Habitat Surveys (RHS)
Responding to pollution incidents
As a team we turn data into evidence and provide this to client teams across the Environment Agency and to external organisations. This information is used to assess the status of our environment; to direct and inform our management actions; and to monitor the environmental response to our own and others’ activities.
You should be willing to undertake specialist training where necessary.
After initial training at Blandford, the post holder can be based in either Blandford (DT11 8ST) or Bridgwater (TA6 4YS) office, but there will be a requirement to attend pollution incidents and deliver field work across Wessex, as a result the post holder must have a full driving licence. There is some flexible home working included however, it is expected that you will be in the office a minimum of 3 days/week.
Participation in incident response is expected, including drought, pollution and flooding.
The team
You’ll join our Analysis and Reporting Team. We are a friendly and supportive team of environmental scientists and ecologists who provide a vital role in collecting, analysing and interpreting ecological, habitat and water quality data.
Experience/skills required
You will be able to demonstrate experience of the following:
Freshwater ecological survey work
An understanding of how water quality influences freshwater ecosystems
Analysis, interpretation and reporting of ecological data to produce clearly written work
Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate scientific information clearly to both a technical and non-technical audience
Working proactively on your own and effectively within a team including mentoring others
Desirable skills:
Experience in identification of macroinvertebrates to mixed-taxon level
Experience in macrophyte identification
Knowledge of water quality issues impacting chemistry
It is expected that the person filling this role will:
Encourage a positive health, safety & wellbeing culture
Work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work
You will carry out a range of tasks, including:
Analysing invertebrate samples to mixed-taxon level
Using a range of databases to enter and extract data
Analysing and reporting on multi-functional data to drive environmental outcomes
Working with internal teams and external stakeholders to influence and deliver projects with environmental benefits
Conducting ecological surveys in rivers and lakes
River Habitat Surveys (RHS)
Responding to pollution incidents
As a team we turn data into evidence and provide this to client teams across the Environment Agency and to external organisations. This information is used to assess the status of our environment; to direct and inform our management actions; and to monitor the environmental response to our own and others’ activities.
You should be willing to undertake specialist training where necessary.
After initial training at Blandford, the post holder can be based in either Blandford (DT11 8ST) or Bridgwater (TA6 4YS) office, but there will be a requirement to attend pollution incidents and deliver field work across Wessex, as a result the post holder must have a full driving licence. There is some flexible home working included however, it is expected that you will be in the office a minimum of 3 days/week.
Participation in incident response is expected, including drought, pollution and flooding.
The team
You’ll join our Analysis and Reporting Team. We are a friendly and supportive team of environmental scientists and ecologists who provide a vital role in collecting, analysing and interpreting ecological, habitat and water quality data.
Experience/skills required
You will be able to demonstrate experience of the following:
Freshwater ecological survey work
An understanding of how water quality influences freshwater ecosystems
Analysis, interpretation and reporting of ecological data to produce clearly written work
Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate scientific information clearly to both a technical and non-technical audience
Working proactively on your own and effectively within a team including mentoring others
Desirable skills:
Experience in identification of macroinvertebrates to mixed-taxon level
Experience in macrophyte identification
Knowledge of water quality issues impacting chemistry
It is expected that the person filling this role will:
Encourage a positive health, safety & wellbeing culture
Work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work