Biodiversity Net Gain Lead for Major Projects

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible & Hybrid working

Professional memberships support

Career development opportunities

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Specialist to join its Nature Services team. The role focuses on delivering measurable biodiversity gains across infrastructure, property, energy, transport and water projects, embedding biodiversity into design and delivery.

You will collaborate with ecologists, planners, GIS specialists and engineers, influencing decisions from early design stages and supporting EIA/EcIA processes with robust technical outputs.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the biodiversity metric and guidance.
• Collect, interpret and analyse habitat and ecological data.
• Develop practical BNG strategies aligned with planning requirements.
• Apply mitigation hierarchy for best outcomes for projects and biodiversity.
• Support habitat creation, enhancement, restoration and long-term management.
• Prepare and review Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs).
• Contribute biodiversity expertise to EIAs, EcIA and environmental assessments.
• Produce clear, evidence-based technical reports and calculations.
• Provide trusted technical advice to clients and project teams.
• Communicate biodiversity risks and opportunities to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support project delivery to scope, programme, budget and quality standards.
• Collaborate with planners, engineers, and ecologists to develop integrated solutions.
• Prepare fee proposals, tender submissions and technical methodologies.

Skills

Biodiversity Net Gain

Data interpretation

Report writing

Stakeholder communication

Education

Degree in Ecology

Tools

GIS

Job description

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Specialist to join its Nature Services team. The role focuses on delivering measurable biodiversity gains across infrastructure, property, energy, transport and water projects, embedding biodiversity into design and delivery.

You will collaborate with ecologists, planners, GIS specialists and engineers, influencing decisions from early design stages and supporting EIA/EcIA processes with robust technical outputs.