Associate Director / Technical Director Soil Science

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and professional services firm in the UK is seeking a Principal Soil Scientist to enhance their Ground & Water team. This role involves leading fieldwork, conducting soil assessments, and collaborating with multiple environmental teams. Candidates should have a degree in Soil Science or a related field, with 5-10 years of relevant experience. Strong communication skills and knowledge of UK environmental practices are essential. Flexible working arrangements available.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of relevant practical experience.
• Experience conducting Agricultural Land Classification surveys.
• Knowledge of UK environmental legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead fieldwork/site visits and produce Agricultural Land Classification reports.
• Manage data to support technical reporting and liaise with stakeholders.
• Train junior staff and support business development duties.

Skills

Soil Science

Communication skills

Report writing

Health & Safety procedures

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Soil Science, Physical Geology, Environmental Science or similar

Tools

GIS

Job description

Job Overview

WSP’s Ground & Water team, part of the Earth & Environment business, is seeking an experienced Principal Soil Scientist to support the growth of our soil team. The role involves collaborating with colleagues in Ground & Water, Nature Advisory, Landscape, Environmental Planning, and Sustainability Policy & Compliance to embed soil science across the business.

Responsibilities

Lead and support fieldwork/site visits and produce written reports for Agricultural Land Classification (ALC), Soil Resource Assessment, and tailored assessments for inclusion in Environmental Statements. Work with Nature Advisory and Landscape teams on Landscape and Ecological Management Plans. Manage data to support technical reporting, provide advice and support to colleagues, and liaise with clients, landowners, contractors, statutory authorities and third parties. Assist in project delivery, including bidding, fee proposals, business development, and field support.

Typical Week

• Preparation of soil and agricultural assessments in support of DCOs, EIAs, and construction projects, managing and coordinating survey work.
• Supporting UK colleagues with project delivery and business development duties.
• Training junior staff and sharing knowledge across environmental disciplines.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in Soil Science, Physical Geology, Environmental Science or similar with 5‑10 years of relevant practical experience.
• Experience completing Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) surveys, Soil Resource Surveys, Soil Classification and site supervision during construction works to BSSS competency standards.
• Grounding in Health & Safety procedures, including CDM, for site work.
• Working knowledge of EIA methodology and Environmental Statements (desired but not essential).
• Experience liaising with internal and external clients, contractors, planning authorities and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and report‑writing skills.
• Registered with or eligible for a relevant professional body (e.g., British Society for Soil Science) and ideally chartered.
• Knowledge of UK environmental legislation, impacts of construction on agricultural land, and UK agricultural practice and business issues.
• Enjoy working outdoors and have a full driving licence.
• Knowledge of applied GIS.
• Enjoy working as part of a team and taking ownership of project delivery.

About the Team

The role is largely office based with on‑site training and quality assurance of surveys. Flexible mix of working from home and in WSP offices across the country. You will be an excellent relationship builder, highly organised, and adaptable to the commercial demands of consultancy work.

Application

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Company

WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms, employing over 69,000 people across 9,000 professionals in the UK and Ireland.

EEO Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.