Associate Ecologist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Training & mentoring

Career progression

Wellbeing support

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland seeks an experienced Associate Ecologist in Cardiff to lead projects, mentor colleagues and shape technical delivery across habitats, protected species and biodiversity.

You will work within a collaborative Ecology team with opportunities to influence best practice, win work and support clients through survey design, mitigation and on-site supervision.

The hybrid role offers training, clear progression and a supportive environment with wellbeing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience across a range of UK habitats and protected species with survey and/or mitigation licences.
• Proven track record of supporting clients from survey programmes and designing pragmatic, cost-effective mitigation, to regulatory support and on-site supervision.
• Experience delivering Ecological Impact Assessments and writing robust ES chapters.
• Knowledge and experience of Habitats Regulations Assessment.
• Demonstrable success in winning work, particularly with commercial clients in residential, mixed-use, and industrial sectors.
• A passion for supporting and developing ecologists of all grades through mentorship and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Champion Health, Safety & Wellbeing culture and help create a safe, positive working environment.
• Work closely with your team, the Regional Director, and Team Leader to manage workload and uphold high technical standards.
• Generating new opportunities and preparing tenders, while overseeing delivery of ecological workstreams technical, commercial, and financial.
• Providing site and office support, helping guide and mentor junior colleagues as they develop their skills.
• Contributing to a supportive, enthusiastic, and high‑performing team environment.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Mentorship

Client management

Business development

Job description

Job Description

If you’re an experienced consultant ecologist ready to step into an Associate role where you can lead, influence, mentor and make a real impact, this could be the perfect next step.

The Team

Our Ecology team is friendly, collaborative, and built on shared expertise. You’ll work alongside specialists in habitats, protected species, biodiversity, water, planning, and more, gaining exposure to a wide range of projects and disciplines.

What You Can Expect

• A supportive culture with training, mentoring, and clear progression
• Access to industry-leading specialists across the UK
• Opportunities to help shape best practice in UK ecology
• A workplace where wellbeing and safety always come first

Your New Role – What’s Involved?

• Championing our Health, Safety & Wellbeing culture and helping create a safe, positive working environment.
• Working closely with your team, the Regional Director, and Team Leader to manage workload and uphold high technical standards.
• Generating new opportunities and preparing tenders, while overseeing delivery of ecological workstreams technical, commercial, and financial.
• Providing site and office support, helping guide and mentor junior colleagues as they develop their skills.
• Contributing to a supportive, enthusiastic, and high‑performing team environment.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working across a range of UK habitats and protected species, with survey and/or mitigation licences (current or held previously).
• A proven track record of supporting clients from devising survey programmes and designing pragmatic, cost‑effective mitigation, to gaining regulatory support and supervising implementation on‑site.
• Experience delivering Ecological Impact Assessments and writing robust ES chapters.
• Knowledge and experience of Habitats Regulations Assessment.
• Demonstrable success in winning work, particularly with commercial clients in residential, mixed‑use, and industrial sectors.
• A passion for supporting and developing ecologists of all grades through mentorship and leadership.

Benefits

• A clear pathway to progress your ecological consultancy career
• The freedom to shape your own development
• Exposure to major UK and international projects
• A workplace that truly values diversity, collaboration, and wellbeing

Work‑life Balance

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service provides access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments and additional benefits such as a Gymflex scheme and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex Your Time

We offer part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your Development

We invest in your growth through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

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.