Consultant Aquatic Ecologist

A little more about your role…

WSP has one of the largest biodiversity, EIA and planning practices. Our UK biodiversity team comprises 300 diverse and passionate specialists who take pride in delivering a wide range of high-quality ecological services on complex projects across a diverse range of sectors. Our UK and international markets are diverse and include low carbon and hydrogen, transport, water renewables, nuclear, power, waste, minerals and property. 

We have a fantastic opportunity for an Aquatic Consultant to join our Aquatic Ecology team. The role is ideally suited to a freshwater ecologist, however as our Aquatic Ecology team covers both freshwater and marine ecology, experience in marine ecology will be advantageous. The role represents an exciting opportunity to deliver aquatic ecology inputs into our expansive range of aquatic projects, and to be part of the successful growth agenda, by working as a team to secure new interesting and challenging projects. Due to our extensive international portfolio, there will also be opportunities to work on some innovative overseas projects, alongside our international aquatic ecology colleagues. We pride ourselves in operating at the leading edge of professional practice, with a reputation for innovation and technical excellence. 

Open to applications nationwide, we are looking for an ambitious, driven and experienced aquatic ecology practitioner who is focused on finding solutions and passionate about delivering technical excellence. 

We are seeking a candidate who can lead at least one survey type (ideally fish surveys but not restricted to this) and is suitably experienced to support a range of freshwater surveys (fish, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, diatoms, water quality). The successful applicant will enjoy the benefits of working within a caring ‘people first’ team which champions WSP’s commitments to diversity, inclusion and equality. Therefore, we are also open to flexible working and reduced working hours for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities of the Role:

• Conducting field surveys across freshwater and/or marine environments.
• Supporting the technical authoring of aquatic ecological assessments: Scoping reports; Preliminary Ecological Assessments (PEA), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA); Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA); Water Framework Directive Assessments (WFDA); Marine Strategy Framework Directive Assessments; and Marine Conservation Zone / Marine Protected Area Assessments.
• Providing aquatic inputs across all project lifecycles from bidding/ feasibility/optioneering, field survey planning / management / completion, detailed design and assessment.
• Supporting preparation of licence applications including marine licences and flood risk activity permits. 
• Providing mentoring and support to less experienced members of the team.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

The role requires excellent reporting and communications skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team, seeking technical input from other disciplines to deliver carefully considered solutions and to produce high quality work. The required skills and qualifications include:

• Professional experience (at least 2 years).
• Relevant degree (BSc or MSc) in an aquatic discipline e.g. freshwater or marine biology. 
• Knowledge of UK and European legislation in relation to protected aquatic habitats and species, including knowledge of the HRA process.
• Ability to support a range of aquatic survey types. 
• Excellent report writing skills
• Basic knowledge of Ecological Impact Assessment (EIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Water Framework Directive Assessments (WFDA).
• Experience in field survey design and conducting ecological surveys in freshwater and/or marine environments.
• Membership of CIEEM or equivalent body.

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.

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 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 9,000 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 our 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.