Associate Director – Aquatic Ecology

Executive Positions
Glasgow
August 29, 2025
Permanent
Urgent

Job Description

Job Title: Associate Director – Aquatic Ecology
Location: Glasgow (Hybrid/Flexible)
Type: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £6 5,000 – £75,000 DOE + Annual Bonus + Benefits + Shareholder Pathway

Shape the Future of Aquatic Ecology in a Leading Consultancy.

A nationally respected, employee-owned environmental consultancy is seeking an ambitious Associate Director – Aquatic Ecology to join its thriving Glasgow office.

This is a senior opportunity for a Principal or established Senior Ecologist ready to take a step up into a leadership role. You’ll help lead a talented team delivering complex, multidisciplinary aquatic projects, with a strong focus on freshwater and estuarine ecology.

As an employee-owned business, the company offers all staff the opportunity to become shareholders, with clear progression and long-term development in mind. You’ll be supported by a collaborative leadership team, a strong internal CPD culture, and a diverse ecology network across the UK.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Provide technical direction and quality assurance across a broad range of aquatic ecology projects

  • Lead or support large-scale assessments (WFD, HRA, EcIA, permitting) and restoration projects

  • Manage key client relationships and contribute to business development across water, infrastructure, and nature recovery sectors

  • Mentor and support junior and mid-level ecologists, contributing to staff development and team wellbeing

  • Work closely with other environmental disciplines across the consultancy

  • Help drive innovation, R&D, and internal best practice

  • Ensure robust SHEQ, ecological integrity, and regulatory compliance

Your Background

  • Degree (BSc, MSc, or PhD) in aquatic ecology, freshwater biology, or similar

  • Significant consultancy experience in aquatic ecology, including technical reporting and project delivery

  • Strong field skills across macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, fish surveys, and aquatic habitat assessment

  • Familiarity with UK regulations including WFD, Eels Regulations, and relevant protected species legislation

  • Experience supporting or managing projects, including budgets and client interaction

  • Ideally Chartered or working towards (CIEEM, CIWEM, IFM)

  • Full UK driving licence

Licences for species such as white-clawed crayfish or freshwater pearl mussel are a bonus but not essential.

Why Join?

  • Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 (depending on experience)

  • Ownership : Become a shareholder in an employee-owned company

  • Bonus: Annual performance-related bonus

  • Development: Structured progression and support into full Director roles

  • Work-life balance: Hybrid/home working options

  • Benefits include:

    • Enhanced pension & life assurance

    • Generous annual leave plus wellbeing days

    • Personal CPD budget and training opportunities

    • Health cash plan, gym discounts, and EAP

    • Award-winning internal culture and wellbeing initiatives

Interested? Let’s Talk.

This is an ideal role for an experienced aquatic ecologist ready to take a step into Associate Director-level leadership. You’ll have the autonomy, support, and structure to grow – in a company that rewards initiative and impact.

Location

Related Jobs