Consultant Ecologist

WSP; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy in Belfast is looking for a Senior Ecologist to join a supportive Nature Services Team. You will work on varied projects, collaborate with experts across disciplines, and handle project management and client liaison tasks. The ideal candidate has relevant experience, strong communication skills, and is proactive in their approach. Join a talented community making a positive impact through significant ecological projects and engagements.

Benefits

Generous training and career development budget

Qualifications

• Experience working in a consultancy or similar environment.
• Deep understanding of UK and NI wildlife legislation and policy.
• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessments and writing EIAR chapters.

Responsibilities

• Planning and undertaking ecology surveys, including protected species.
• Preparation of ecological deliverables like Preliminary Ecological Appraisals.
• Client liaison and project management.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Solution-focused

Proactive

Education

Relevant academic qualification

Membership of CIEEM or IEMA

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role…

We are seeking a Senior Ecologist to join our growing Nature Services Team in Belfast and work on some engaging projects within a supportive team of technical experts. You will work closely with our Belfast Team Leader and colleagues to deliver a diverse range of projects and work on nationally significant infrastructure projects, renewable energy projects and utility refurbishment projects.

You will collaborate with a range of interrelated disciplines including ornithology, freshwater and marine ecologists, Biodiversity Net Gain and Natural Capital specialists, arboriculturists, landscape architects, hydrologists, environmental scientists, engineers and geotechnical specialists.

Activities you will be involved in:

• Planning and undertaking ecology surveys including Extended Phase 1 Habitat, and protected species surveys (red squirrel, pine marten, badger, otter, bat, smooth newt, etc).
• Preparation of tenders and a range of ecological deliverables including: Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EIAR chapters and Appropriate Assessments.
• Following the mitigation hierarchy and being involved in design of mitigation and compensation measures including BNG and biodiversity enhancements.
• Client liaison and project management.
• Consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.
• Mentoring junior team members.
• Helping to nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.
• Attending and contributing to regular weekly and monthly Ecology team meetings.
• Taking advantage of a generous training and career development budget to complete training (in-house and external).

What we are looking for you to demonstrate…

• An appropriate academic qualification and/or experience in a related discipline.
• Membership of CIEEM, IEMA or similar.
• Experience working in a consultancy or similar environment and a deep understanding of UK and NI wildlife legislation and policy.
• Experience across a range of Irish habitats and species.
• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessment and writing EIAR chapters.
• Experience of Appropriate Assessments.
• Strong communication skills and is solution‑focussed and proactive.

We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive team, so even if you’re not sure you match everything in our job description, we are still keen for you to make an application.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.