Principal Aquatic Ecologist - Hybrid & Global Impact

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Thrive wellbeing programme

Gymflex fitness scheme

Disability confident employer

Chartered membership support

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Principal Aquatic Ecologist to lead complex freshwater projects across the UK and international settings, with a focus on regulatory and environmental impact assessment work. You will design aquatic baseline surveys, author EIAs, and advise clients on freshwater ecology while building a strong technical profile within our team and with external stakeholders.

Experience with Development Consent Order processes and cross‑functional collaboration with in‑house

Qualifications

• Extensive, relevant experience gained within a professional consultancy, regulatory or industrial role.
• Advanced technical knowledge and competency in freshwater ecology, including protected species.
• Proven track record in the design and successful delivery of aquatic monitoring programmes, across a range of aquatic habitats in the UK and internationally.
• The ability to produce high quality, technically and scientifically robust reports and other deliverables.
• A comprehensive knowledge of relevant ecology and water legislation, and its application in relation to the planning process.
• An enthusiastic, confident and positive approach with excellent communication and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Guiding and overseeing the design of the aquatic 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
• Representing clients on marine matters where required
• Providing expert advice on freshwater ecology and related matters,
• Building and maintaining a strong internal and external profile as a technical expert, for example, through our Practice Area Networks and externally

Skills

Freshwater ecology

Environmental Impact Assessments

Report writing

Ecology regulations

Job description

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Principal Aquatic Ecologist to lead complex freshwater projects across the UK and international settings, with a focus on regulatory and environmental impact assessment work. You will design aquatic baseline surveys, author EIAs, and advise clients on freshwater ecology while building a strong technical profile within our team and with external stakeholders.

Experience with Development Consent Order processes and cross‑functional collaboration with in‑house