Associate Director / Technical Director - Freshwater Ecology

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

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Associate Director or Technical Director in Freshwater Ecology to lead complex programmes for UK and international infrastructure schemes, advising clients and regulators, and raising the bar for best practice.

You will act as a trusted authority on freshwater ecology, manage baseline surveys and EIA/WFD reporting, mentor aquatic ecologists, and help prepare tenders and budgets while strengthening WSP's technical reputation.

Qualifications

• Extensive consultancy/regulatory/industry experience.
• Advanced technical expertise in freshwater ecology.
• Proven ability to deliver robust reports for WFD, EIAs and Environmental Statements.
• Strong knowledge of UK water and ecology legislation and planning processes.
• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Tender preparation and budgeting experience.
• Collaborative leadership and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide freshwater/ aquatic ecology baseline survey design for EIAs and regulatory submissions.
• Author high-quality technical reports, including EIA chapters and WFD assessments.
• Line manage and mentor aquatic ecologists, supporting growth, wellbeing, workloads.
• Prepare tenders and fee estimates for medium to large freshwater projects.
• Support management of the wider aquatic team, including HSE, training, resource planning, and technical excellence.
• Represent the business externally and contribute to Practice Area Networks.

Skills

Advanced freshwater ecology

Project management

Leadership & mentoring

Tender preparation & budgeting

Technical report writing (EIA, WFD)

Regulatory knowledge

Job description

Job Description

Your New Role

We are seeking an Associate Director or Technical Director in Freshwater Ecology to join our expanding Aquatic Ecology team. This is an outstanding opportunity for an established technical specialist who thrives on leading complex programmes, advising clients and regulators, and raising the bar for best practice across the industry.

You'll act as a trusted authority on freshwater ecology, providing expertise across major UK and international infrastructure schemes, including DCO/NSIP projects, regulated water company frameworks, and long term capital programmes.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and guide the design of freshwater and aquatic ecology baseline survey programmes for EIAs and regulatory submissions.
• Author highquality technical reports, including EIA chapters, WFD assessments, and planning deliverables for both UK and international clients.
• Line manage and mentor talented aquatic ecologists, supporting their growth, wellbeing, and workloads.
• Prepare competitive tenders and fee estimates for medium and large-scale freshwater ecology projects.
• Support the management of the wider aquatic team - including health & safety, training, resource planning, and technical excellence.
• Build and maintain a strong profile as a recognised technical expert, contributing to WSP's Practice Area Networks and representing the business externally.

About The Team

Our Aquatic Ecology team works across freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments on a truly exciting range of projects.

Typical Portfolio Areas Include

• River restoration and catchment enhancement schemes
• Design of ecological monitoring programmes
• Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
• EIA and Water Framework Directive assessments
• Salmonid habitat restoration and NEP projects for water companies
• Routine biological monitoring
• International development and R&D projects
• You will collaborate closely with in-house experts in fluvial geomorphology, BNG, hydrology, and environmental planning, giving you the opportunity to influence multi-disciplinary solutions and shape future industry standards.

What We're Looking For

• Extensive professional experience in consultancy, regulatory bodies, or industry settings.
• Advanced technical expertise in freshwater ecology, including protected species and habitat assessment.
• A proven ability to deliver technically robust, scientifically rigorous reports for WFD assessments, EIAs, and Environmental Statements.
• Strong understanding of UK water and ecology legislation and its application within the planning process.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing teams.
• Proven project management skills, including tender preparation and budgeting.
• A positive, collaborative, and engaging leadership style with excellent communication skills.

Why Join WSP?

At WSP, You'll Be Part Of a Culture That Values Curiosity, Innovation, And The Drive To Make a Difference. You'll Have

• The freedom to define the direction of your specialist area
• The support of a global ecology and environmental network
• A variety of UK and international projects to grow your portfolio
• Real opportunities for career development, leadership, and technical influence

This is your chance to lead, inspire, and help create healthier freshwater ecosystems for generations to come.

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.