Associate Director / Technical Director - Freshwater Ecology

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Leeds is seeking an Associate Director or Technical Director in Freshwater Ecology to lead complex projects and advise clients. The role involves designing baseline survey programmes, authoring technical reports, and mentoring a team of aquatic ecologists. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in consultancy, advanced expertise in freshwater ecology, and strong project management skills. This is a key role in an expanding team that works on major UK and international infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in consultancy, regulatory bodies, or industry settings.
• Expertise in freshwater ecology including protected species and habitat assessment.
• Ability to deliver technical reports for EIAs, WFD assessments, and Environmental Statements.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of freshwater ecology baseline survey programmes.
• Author high-quality technical reports for clients.
• Mentor and manage aquatic ecologists.
• Prepare tenders and fee estimates for projects.
• Support management of the aquatic team.

Skills

Extensive professional experience

Advanced technical expertise in freshwater ecology

Ability to deliver scientifically rigorous reports

Understanding of UK water and ecology legislation

Experience managing and developing teams

Project management skills

Collaborative leadership style

Excellent communication skills

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.

Job Description

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 high quality 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.