Assistant Ecologist

WSP; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working culture

Diverse and inclusive team environment

Global career opportunities

Job summary

WSP is looking for an Assistant Ecologist to join their Nature Services team in Scotland and Ireland. This role involves assisting with ecology surveys, preparing ecological deliverables, and contributing to various projects that enhance environmental outcomes.

You will work alongside a supportive network of professionals and develop your technical skills while participating in significant infrastructure and renewable energy projects. This position offers a flexible working culture within a diverse and inclusive team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of undertaking ecology desk‑based and field surveys within the UK.
• Some technical knowledge of relevant ecology policy and guidance, particularly within Scotland.
• Desire to develop core ecological and consultancy skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with and undertake ecology surveys, such as Phase 1 habitat/UKHab surveys.
• Prepare tenders and ecological deliverables, including protected species reports.
• Participate in weekly and monthly Nature Services team meetings.

Skills

Ecology surveys

Strong communication

Organization skills

Education

Relevant academic qualification in ecology or a related subject

Qualifying membership of CIEEM or eligible to apply

Job description

Assistant Ecologist – Nature Services team based in Scotland and Ireland. You will work alongside a supportive network of technical specialists on a wide variety of projects, contributing to environmental outcomes that matter.

Why This Role Matters

Our portfolio of ecology projects across Scotland and beyond is extensive and rapidly evolving. By working with clients, government, planners and consultees, you will help shape better outcomes for nature, society and the environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assist with and undertake ecology surveys, including Phase 1 habitat/UKHab surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bats, amphibians and reptiles, etc).
• Assist with preparing tenders and ecological deliverables such as protected species reports, licence applications, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, maps and Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS).
• Undertake data analysis to inform baseline surveys, e.g., bat call identification.
• Participate in weekly and monthly Nature Services team meetings and national initiatives.
• Deepen your technical expertise and pursue professional development through formal training.
• Develop specific skillsets and share technical knowledge and learning opportunities with colleagues.

What We’re Looking For

• Relevant academic qualification in ecology or a related subject.
• Qualifying membership of CIEEM or eligible to apply.
• Proven experience of undertaking ecology desk‑based and field surveys within the UK, such as botanical survey, habitat classification and/or protected species surveys across diverse habitats and seasons, and use of H&S practices including site risk assessments.
• Strong communication and organisation skills; experience gained within a professional consultancy, regulatory or industrial role is an advantage, but voluntary work or specialist interest groups are also considered.
• Some technical knowledge of relevant ecology policy and guidance (particularly within Scotland), or a desire to move towards species survey licences; this would be an advantage.
• Desire to develop core ecological and consultancy skills, supported by a team of ecologists and other environmental professionals.

Who You’ll Work With

You will collaborate closely with colleagues across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast and contribute to a wide range of projects, including:

• Nationally significant infrastructure projects
• Renewable energy developments
• Utility refurbishment programmes
• Smaller flood defence, active travel and green spaces projects

Additional expertise on your team includes Biodiversity Net Gain, natural capital, ornithology, freshwater and marine ecology, arboriculture, landscape architecture, hydrology, engineering and geotechnical specialisms.

Why WSP?

• A flexible working culture that empowers you to do your best work.
• A diverse, inclusive and supportive team environment.
• Global opportunities and the chance to influence meaningful environmental outcomes.
• More than 69,000 colleagues worldwide working toward a better future for communities and the natural world.

Apply today to be part of a team that values curiosity, learning and making a difference.