Consultant Ecologist

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working policy

Training and development budget

Health and wellbeing support

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland seeks an Ecological Consultant in Manchester to join a diverse team focused on collaboration and wellbeing. Responsibilities include planning ecology surveys, preparing ecological reports, and conducting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. Candidates should hold a relevant academic qualification, have consultancy experience, and possess strong communication skills. The role offers a flexible hybrid working model, structured training opportunities, and support for professional development, contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.

Qualifications

• An appropriate academic qualification and/or experience in a related discipline.
• Membership of CIEEM (or working towards it).
• Professional experience within ecological consultancy or a regulatory environment.
• Knowledge of BNG principles and guidance, and experience of BNG assessments.
• Strong communication skills, solution-focused and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Planning and undertaking ecology surveys including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals.
• Preparation of tenders and ecological deliverables including protected species survey reports.
• Conducting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
• Client liaison and project management.
• Mentoring junior team members.

Skills

Ecological Consultancy

Report Writing

Client Liaison

Communication Skills

Education

Relevant Academic Qualification

Tools

Coreo

Fieldmaps

Survey123

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.
• Mentoring junior team members.
• 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).

Qualifications

• 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‑focussed and proactive.

Benefits

• Flexible working/hybrid policy, including the option to work from home two days a week.
• Access to a strong knowledge‑sharing team, specialist groups, and peer support networks.
• Structured training, mentoring and career development budget.
• Opportunities for professional development and chartership.
• Health and wellbeing support, including virtual GP service and wellness programmes.
• Inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and belonging.

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.