Principal Aquatic Ecologist

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

A little more about your role…

We work on a wide range of projects in the freshwater environments, including river restoration schemes, design of ecological monitoring programmes, biodiversity net gain assessments, and ecological impact assessments. The team collaborates widely with in house teams including WSP’s Biodiversity Net Gain specialist group and fluvial geomorphology experts to meet and exceed client and regulatory body requirements. Our projects are primarily UK based although we also work on a wide range of international projects including development schemes and R&D projects. They include offshore wind farms, blue carbon projects, coastal power stations, green ammonia plants, ports and harbours schemes and long-distance cable routes.

Your New Role What’s Involved?

We are looking to appoint an Principal to join our Aquatic Ecology team. The postholder will be an expert in freshwater ecology. We are looking for someone with a proven track record of working on environmental impact assessments for major infrastructure projects in freshwater environments in the UK, particularly those following a Development Consent Order application process. The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of the

The role will include:

• Guiding and overseeing the design of the aquatic baseline survey programmes to support Environmental Impact Assessments and other regulatory documents;
• Authoring Environmental Impact Assessment chapters and other written outputs which contribute to planning submissions for development schemes in the UK and internationally
• Representing clients on marine matters where required
• Providing expert advice on freshwater ecology and related matters,
• Building and maintaining a strong internal and external profile as a technical expert, for example, through our Practice Area Networks and externally

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Extensive, relevant experience gained within a professional consultancy, regulatory or industrial role.
• Advanced technical knowledge and competency in marine ecology, including protected species
• Proven track record in the design and successful delivery of aquatic monitoring programmes, across a range of aquatic habitats in the UK and internationally.
• The ability to produce high quality, technically and scientifically robust reports and other deliverables.
• A comprehensive knowledge of relevant ecology and water legislation, and its application in relation to the planning process.
• An enthusiastic, confident and positive approach with excellent communication and people management skills.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.

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We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

What’s In It For You?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.