Consultant Ecologist

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Generous training and career development budget

Job summary

An environmental consultancy in Exeter is seeking an Ecological Consultant to join their diverse team. The role involves planning and conducting ecological surveys, preparing reports, and contributing to Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. Ideal candidates will have a relevant academic background, experience in ecological consultancy, and strong communication skills. This position supports flexible working and offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration, making a positive impact on biodiversity through innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in ecological consultancy or a regulatory environment.
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment.
• Clear and accurate report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and undertake ecology surveys.
• Prepare ecological deliverables.
• Conduct Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Liaise with clients and manage projects.

Skills

Ecological consultancy experience

Strong communication skills

Report-writing skills

Understanding of BNG principles

Familiarity with digital data tools

Education

Appropriate academic qualification in related discipline

CIEEM membership or working towards

Tools

Coreo

Fieldmaps

Survey123

Job description

Job Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

As an Ecological Consultant with WSP, you’ll become part of a large, friendly, and diverse team where collaboration, learning and wellbeing sit at the centre of our culture. Flexible working is one of our core benefits, helping you maintain a healthy balance between your work, personal life, family, and wellbeing. You’ll be supported by a strong knowledge sharing team, with access to peer support networks, specialist groups, and open collaboration across all experience levels. You’ll have the chance to work alongside environmental specialists across the UK, broadening your experience through multidisciplinary learning and exposure to global expertise. With structured training, mentoring, and clear progression routes, you’ll have every opportunity to develop your technical ecological skills, grow your project management capabilities, and work towards protected species licences.

You’ll gain hands‑on experience across a range of large‑scale and complex projects, help to shape meaningful biodiversity outcomes and contribute to nature‑positive solutions. With room for innovation in survey design, modelling, mitigation planning, and application of cutting‑edge ecological methods, you’ll be supported to explore and develop your strengths while making a real impact at landscape scale.

Above all, you’ll be part of a team with a strong sense of purpose and take pride in contributing to projects that deliver genuine environmental benefit.

You Will Be Involved In The Following Activities

• Planning and undertaking ecology surveys including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and protected species surveys.
• Preparation of tenders and a range of ecological deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species survey reports, method statements and management plans.
• Conducting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
• Working closely with clients, project teams and GIS specialists.
• Applying the mitigation hierarchy and contributing to designing mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures.
• Client liaison and project management.
• Helping to nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.
• 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 (or working towards it).
• Understanding of digital data collection tools (e.g., Coreo, Fieldmaps, Survey123).
• Professional experience within ecological consultancy or a regulatory environment.
• Knowledge of BNG principles and guidance, and experience of BNG assessments.
• Clear, accurate report‑writing skills and ability to produce robust ecological assessments.
• Familiarity with relevant ecology policy and planning guidance.
• Strong communication skills, solution‑focused 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. 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?

With us, you can. Apply today.