Job Title: Associate Director - Aquatic Ecology
Location: Glasgow (Hybrid/Flexible)
Type: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £65,000 - £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.