Biodiversity Net Gain Consultant

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working

Professional development support

Career progression opportunities

Access to biodiversity and natural-cap

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Specialist to join our Nature Services team and influence infrastructure, property, energy, transport and water projects across the UK.

You’ll work with ecologists, planners, GIS specialists and engineers to embed biodiversity into project design, planning and delivery, delivering practical BNG strategies and robust assessments.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Management or related discipline.
• Experience delivering or supporting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Strong knowledge of the statutory biodiversity metric and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the metric and guidance.
• Collect and analyse habitat and ecological data to inform strategies.
• Develop practical BNG strategies aligned with planning requirements.
• Prepare technical reports and HMMPs with clear evidence.
• Provide biodiversity expertise for EIA and EcIA work.

Skills

Biodiversity Net Gain

Ecology knowledge

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

BSc/MSc in Ecology or related

Tools

GIS

Job description

Job Description

Are you passionate about delivering measurable biodiversity gains and creating positive environmental outcomes through development? Do you enjoy combining ecological expertise with practical problem-solving to influence major infrastructure, property, energy, transport and water projects?

Are you passionate about delivering measurable biodiversity gains and creating positive environmental outcomes through development? Do you enjoy combining ecological expertise with practical problem-solving to influence major infrastructure, property, energy, transport and water projects?

We're looking for a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Specialist to join our growing Nature Services team and play a key role in helping clients navigate the evolving biodiversity landscape. This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-profile projects, influence design decisions from the earliest stages, and contribute directly to nature recovery across the UK.

Whether you're already an established BNG specialist or an experienced ecologist looking to specialise further, we'd love to hear from you.

The Opportunity

Biodiversity Net Gain is transforming the way development is planned and delivered. As a BNG Specialist, you'll help clients meet statutory requirements while delivering practical, sustainable solutions that create lasting value for nature, communities and projects.

Working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, you'll partner with ecologists, environmental planners, landscape architects, GIS specialists, natural capital practitioners and engineering teams to embed biodiversity into project design, planning and delivery.

This role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from major infrastructure and renewable energy schemes to residential, commercial and mixed-use developments.

What You'll Be Doing

Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain Solutions

• Undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the statutory biodiversity metric and current guidance.
• Collecting, interpreting and analysing habitat and ecological data.
• Developing practical and deliverable BNG strategies that align with planning and consenting requirements.
• Applying the mitigation hierarchy to achieve the best outcomes for both projects and biodiversity.
• Supporting habitat creation, enhancement, restoration and long-term management initiatives.
• Preparing and reviewing Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs).
• Contributing biodiversity expertise to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and wider environmental assessments.
• Producing clear, evidence-based technical reports and calculations.

Working with Clients and Project Teams

• Providing trusted technical advice to clients, project managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Communicating biodiversity risks, constraints and opportunities to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Supporting project delivery to agreed scope, programme, budget and quality standards.
• Collaborating with planners, engineers, landscape architects, GIS specialists and ecologists to develop integrated solutions.
• Preparing fee proposals, tender submissions and technical methodologies.

Driving Innovation and Growth

• Keeping up to date with emerging BNG policy, legislation, environmental markets and natural capital developments.
• Supporting the development of innovative tools, processes and best practice approaches.
• Sharing knowledge across the business and contributing to technical excellence.
• Identifying opportunities to grow biodiversity and nature-based services with existing and new clients.

About You

You’ll be passionate about biodiversity and motivated by the opportunity to influence how development contributes to nature recovery.

Essential Experience

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Management or a related discipline
• Experience delivering or supporting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
• Strong working knowledge of the statutory biodiversity metric and associated guidance
• Understanding of UK ecology, habitat assessment and environmental legislation
• Ability to analyse ecological and quantitative data and apply sound professional judgement
• Excellent report writing and communication skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams

Desirable Experience

• Membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional body
• Experience supporting planning applications and development projects
• Knowledge of UKHab classification and habitat condition assessment
• Experience preparing Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans
• GIS and spatial analysis skills
• Understanding of natural capital, ecosystem services and environmental markets
• Experience engaging with planning authorities, landowners and other stakeholders
• Protected species licences or specialist habitat expertise

Why Join Us?

You’ll become part of a collaborative team working on projects that genuinely make a difference to the environment.

We Offer

• Opportunities to work on nationally significant infrastructure and development projects
• A strong focus on technical excellence and professional development
• Support towards professional memberships and career progression
• Access to leading biodiversity, natural capital and environmental specialists
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• A culture that encourages innovation, collaboration and continuous learning

Be Part of the Nature Recovery Journey

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing team at the forefront of Biodiversity Net Gain delivery. If you're excited by the challenge of helping shape developments that leave biodiversity in a better state for future generations, we'd love to hear from you.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?