Freshwater Technical Lead

WSP; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK seeks an Associate Director or Associate for their Aquatic Ecology team. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned freshwater ecologist with project management experience, responsible for overseeing aquatic ecology assessments and line managing staff. This position combines fieldwork with extensive project delivery and team collaboration. A strong understanding of environmental legislation is crucial for success in this role.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Health and wellbeing programs

Gym membership discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive, relevant experience within a professional consultancy or regulatory role.
• Advanced technical knowledge in freshwater ecology.
• Ability to produce high quality, scientifically robust reports.

Responsibilities

• Guide and oversee aquatic ecology baseline survey programmes.
• Author Environmental Impact Assessment chapters.
• Line manage staff and monitor workload.

Skills

Freshwater ecology

Project management

Report writing

Communication skills

Job description

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.

Your New Role What's Involved?

We are looking to appoint an Associate Director or Associate to join our Aquatic Ecology team. The postholder will be an experienced freshwater ecologist, ideally with a specialism in freshwater fish ecology. We are looking for someone with a thorough understanding of the licensing and consenting process for development projects in the freshwater environment. You will have a proven track record of preparing and managing aquatic ecology impact assessments for Environmental Statements and to support other types of consent applications. The post holder will have had experience of project managing medium and large aquatic ecology projects, including monitoring budgets and co‑ordinating staff resources.

You will have line managed staff, and ideally small teams, with responsibility for overseeing the technical development of staff as well as conducting appraisals and managing workload.

The role will include:

• Guiding and overseeing the design of the aquatic ecology baseline survey programmes to support Environmental Impact Assessments and other regulatory documents;
• Authoring Environmental Impact Assessment chapters and other written outputs which contribute to planning submissions for development schemes in the UK and internationally;
• Line managing staff in the aquatic team including monitoring and planning workload and supporting their professional development;
• Preparing tender outputs for medium and large-scale freshwater ecology projects including fee estimates;
• Actively contributing to the management of the aquatic team in areas such as health and safety, technical training and project resourcing;
• Building and maintaining a strong internal and external profile as a technical expert, for example, through our Practice Area Networks and externally;

More about the team…

We work on a wide range of projects in the freshwater and marine environments, including river restoration schemes, design of ecological monitoring programmes, biodiversity net gain assessments, and ecological impact assessments. The team collaborates widely with in house teams including WSP's Biodiversity Net Gain specialist group and fluvial geomorphology experts to meet and exceed client and regulatory body requirements. Our projects are primarily UK based although we also work on a wide range of international projects including development schemes and R&D projects. Our UK portfolio includes Water Industry Natural Environment Programme projects, such as schemes to identify and restore salmonid spawning habitats; routine monitoring of biological parameters on behalf of water companies; ecological impact assessments and Water Framework Directive assessments for major infrastructure projects. Our team spans the freshwater and marine environments and so there are opportunities to get involved in estuarine and coastal projects too.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Extensive, relevant experience gained within a professional consultancy, regulatory or industrial role;
• Advanced technical knowledge and competency in freshwater ecology, including protected species;
• The ability to produce high quality, technically and scientifically robust reports and other deliverables including Water Framework Directive Assessments and Environmental Statements;
• A comprehensive knowledge of relevant ecology and water legislation, and its application in relation to the planning process;
• Experience in managing staff, including supporting with workload management and technical development;
• Previous experience of managing projects and preparing tender outputs including budget estimates;
• An enthusiastic, confident and positive approach with excellent communication and people management skills;

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.

About Us

We are one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It's important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That's why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

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.