Associate Director / Technical Director - Freshwater Ecology

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development opportunities

Support from a global ecology network

Variety of UK and international projects

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking an Associate Director or Technical Director in Freshwater Ecology to enhance their Aquatic Ecology team. This role involves leading complex programmes, mentoring ecologists, and shaping best practices in the industry.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in consultancy and advanced expertise in freshwater ecology, with a proven ability to deliver rigorous scientific reports for regulatory assessments.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of freshwater ecosystems while contributing to a culture of curiosity and innovation.

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in freshwater ecology.
• Proven ability to manage and develop teams.
• Experience with EIA and Water Framework Directive assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and design freshwater ecology survey programmes.
• Author high-quality technical reports for clients.
• Mentor aquatic ecologists and support their growth.
• Manage the wider aquatic team and ensure technical excellence.
• Prepare competitive tenders for ecology projects.

Skills

Extensive professional experience in consultancy

Advanced technical expertise in freshwater ecology

Ability to deliver scientifically rigorous reports

Understanding of UK water and ecology legislation

Project management skills

Collaborative leadership style

Excellent communication skills

Job description

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.

About the Team

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

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.

Typical Portfolio Areas

• 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

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.

Benefits

• 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

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 lead, inspire, and help create healthier freshwater ecosystems for generations to come.