Associate Director, Freshwater Ecology & Projects

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Associate Director or Technical Director in Freshwater Ecology to join our expanding Aquatic Ecology team. You’ll lead complex programmes for major UK and international infrastructure schemes, advising clients and regulators, and raising the bar for best practice across the industry.

You will line manage senior ecologists, develop project strategies, prepare tenders and budgets, and help shape the direction of WSP's practice area networks on a global scale.

Qualifications

• Extensive consultancy experience in freshwater ecology and planning processes.
• Ability to deliver robust, regulator-facing reports (EIAs, WFD, Environmental Statements).
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating large projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide freshwater and aquatic ecology baseline surveys for EIAs and regulatory submissions.
• Author high-quality reports (EIA chapters, WFD assessments, planning deliverables).
• Line manage and mentor aquatic ecologists, supporting growth and workload balance.
• Prepare tenders and fee estimates for medium to large freshwater projects.
• Support management of the wider aquatic team (safety, training, resource planning).
• Build profile as a technical expert and represent the business externally.

Skills

Freshwater ecology

Team leadership

Project management

Regulatory reporting

Tendering & budgeting

Education

Ecology degree (MSc preferred)

Job description

WSP is seeking an Associate Director or Technical Director in Freshwater Ecology to join our expanding Aquatic Ecology team. You’ll lead complex programmes for major UK and international infrastructure schemes, advising clients and regulators, and raising the bar for best practice across the industry.

You will line manage senior ecologists, develop project strategies, prepare tenders and budgets, and help shape the direction of WSP's practice area networks on a global scale.