Technical Director Hydroecology

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Technical Director / Hydroecology Lead to join a well-established environmental and engineering consultancy with a reputation for technical excellence, innovation, and long-term thinking. This is a senior strategic role for an experienced hydroecology professional who is passionate about shaping the future of water, ecology, and environmental management.

This position offers the opportunity to lead a specialist service offering, influence technical direction, and contribute to nationally significant projects that address critical environmental challenges such as climate resilience, water quality, habitat restoration, and sustainable catchment management.

If you are a recognised technical expert with a collaborative mindset and a commitment to sustainability, this role provides a platform to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a supportive and innovative environment.

As the Technical Director / Hydroecology Lead, you will:

• Lead and develop the hydroecology service offering, shaping its strategic direction and market position.
• Provide senior technical leadership on complex water, ecology, and environmental management projects.
• Develop and implement technical strategies addressing sustainability, resilience, water management, and ecosystem protection.
• Drive innovation through new methodologies, research partnerships, and applied technical solutions.
• Contribute to sector knowledge via publications, conferences, and professional engagement.
• Influence best practices, technical standards, and emerging policies in hydroecology and related fields.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, engineering, and environmental assessment.
• Act as Project Director or senior technical lead on high-value or technically complex commissions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulators, academic partners, and professional networks.
• Mentor and develop technical colleagues, fostering recruitment, training, and long-term capability building.
• Champion quality, compliance, health and safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

• Degree and/or master’s qualification in ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• Chartered Environmentalist status or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Significant experience and a strong technical track record in hydroecology.
• Recognised expertise and credibility in hydroecology, water environments, or related sectors.
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific evidence into practical, commercially viable solutions.
• Experience in influencing technical direction, developing services, or leading specialist teams.
• Strong understanding of environmental management, water-related ecological issues, and climate resilience.
• Commercial awareness, including experience in managing risk, project delivery, and high-value work.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with clients, stakeholders, regulators, and technical teams.
• A collaborative approach with a genuine commitment to sustainability, technical quality, and innovation.

• Expertise in fish ecology, fish biology, freshwater ecology, or marine ecology.
• Established network within water utilities, regulators, environmental consultancies, or related sectors.
• Experience contributing to research, policy development, or industry publications.
• Involvement in frameworks, strategic partnerships, or business development activities.
• Experience mentoring senior technical staff and building specialist capability within teams.

• Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight on hydroecology projects.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions.
• Engage with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions.
• Mentor and support team members, fostering a culture of technical excellence and professional growth.
• Contribute to the development of technical strategies and service offerings.
• Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, and professional forums.
• Oversee project delivery, ensuring quality, compliance, and client satisfaction.

• Senior leadership role within a respected consultancy known for technical excellence.
• Opportunity to lead and grow a specialist hydroecology service offering.
• Involvement in high-impact projects addressing water management, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection.
• Supportive and collaborative working culture with a focus on professional development.
• Hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities to influence industry best practices and contribute to future environmental solutions.

If you are ready to take on a leadership role that combines scientific expertise, strategic thinking, and a commitment to sustainability, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join a team dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and shaping the future of hydroecology.