Senior Hydrologist/ Senior Aquatic Ecologist - Ipswich

Join us in shaping a future where nature and business thrive together

At Thomson, our purpose is simple but powerful: to enable nature and business to thrive together .

We’re building a reputation as the UK’s most innovative, pragmatic and fast-growing environmental consultancy . Our ambition is to be the first choice for clients and the employer of choice for environmental professionals .

With offices across the UK, our multidisciplinary experts deliver exceptional outcomes across terrestrial and freshwater ecology, hydrology, marine science, GIS, habitat management, arboriculture and environmental impact assessment.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Technical Specialist to lead and grow our dynamic Water Team .

This is a key leadership role where you will combine technical expertise, team leadership and business development to deliver complex aquatic projects and shape the future of our water services.

You will work closely with clients and colleagues to provide best-practice advice, ensure compliance with legislation and policy, and support the successful delivery of high-quality environmental outcomes.

Technical Expertise

- Knowledge of hydro-ecological survey techniques, legislation and policy
- Experience delivering high-quality reports and assessments

Responsibilities

Manage team workloads, performance, training and development; Provide technical oversight, mentoring and internal training; Support colleagues in achieving their professional goals; Lead and deliver large, complex hydro-ecological projects; Provide expert guidance on legislation, policy and best practice; Review and approve technical reports and deliverables; Oversee budgets, forecasting and team financial performance; Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard; Win new work through bids, tenders and client engagement; Build and maintain strong client relationships; Support marketing and PR activity to promote water services; Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Clerk of Works; Macroinvertebrate and water quality monitoring; Fish population and habitat surveys; eDNA and INNS surveys; River habitat surveys, flow gauging and water level monitoring; Nutrient neutrality assessments; Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments; Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA); Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA); Marine licensing and flood risk permitting

Requirements

Experience in environmental consultancy; Background in aquatic ecology, hydro-ecology or similar; Track record of winning work and building client relationships; Excellent communication and organisational skills; Ability to manage people, budgets and multiple projects; Proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach; Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance

Benefits

25 days annual leave; Healthcare cash plan; Enhanced stakeholder pension scheme; Life insurance; Discounted gym membership; Paid professional memberships; Clothing allowance; Performance-related rewards and long service awards; Free parking; Regular social and company events