Principal/Associate Surface Water EIA Consultant

WSP; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Principal or Associate to join their Sustainable Water Management team in Liverpool. You will oversee EIA projects, mentor junior staff, and work on major infrastructure developments, collaborating with clients to ensure compliance and high standards. The role offers flexibility with a hybrid working model and emphasizes career development and inclusivity.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Flexible working arrangements

Health and wellbeing programs

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Experience in working on water EIA and associated assessments.
• Knowledge of UK regulatory context for planning and EIA.
• Actively pursuing chartered status in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Perform project tasks such as environmental assessments and EIA report preparation.
• Support project management activities including financial and program management.
• Mentor junior team members while leading specific project activities.

Skills

Environmental assessment

Project management

Excellent communication

Education

Degree in environmental science or engineering

Job description

Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
Wrexham, Clwyd, United Kingdom

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…

Due to strong and sustained growth in our Sustainable Water Management business, we are looking for a Principal or Associate who has experience in the delivery of Water EIA projects, including some familiarity with the suite of water and flood risk related disciplines to work collaboratively on technically complex projects for a range of clients.

This role can be based in our Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle or Wrexham office where you will be expected to be in the office 2-3 days per week.

You will contribute to a diverse range of projects but the main focus of your work is likely to be EIA and associated appendices including FRA, WFD and environmental permit applications for major infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas. Sharing your technical expertise and mentoring more junior members in the team will also be part of your role. You will

• Perform project tasks assigned by senior team members
• Carry out environmental assessment of surface water resources and preparing deliverables such as the Water chapter of EIA Screening and Scoping reports and Environmental Statements, WFD assessments, geomorphology assessments, water quality and FRAs.
• Complete biodiversity net gain assessments for river habitats (training can be provided if this is an area of interest).
• Support environmental permit applications.
• Carry out site surveys to collect baseline information on the water environment.
• Lead on certain project management activities including financial and programme management.
• Communicate and liaise effectively and efficiently with the project team (both the Sustainable Water Management team and the wider business)
• Work collaboratively within the team and proactively supporting junior staff in developing their technical knowledge and understanding of tasks assigned.

The Sustainable Water Management business operates as a national team and work is shared around the team in a fair and transparent way, ensuring project allocation takes into account personal interests and development aspirations and much as practicable. We have a strong portfolio of major infrastructure projects such as Mersey Tidal Power and with clients such as National Grid, and we are seeing significant growth in wind farm, solar farm and carbon capture developments. We also continue to support investment in transport infrastructure with projects ranging from improvement of active travel measures for a range of Local Authorities to major schemes such as East West Rail.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

Skills / Experience

• Experience working in water EIA including Scoping and ES preparation, and experience in one or more of the typical supporting appendices including flood risk assessment, water quality, geomorphology, BNG and WFD assessments.
• Experience of providing technical inputs for planning and permitting for major infrastructure projects. This could include preparation of Water EIA, FRA and WFD inputs to planning applications, supporting DCO examinations or planning inquiries, and developing applications for environmental permits.
• Some knowledge of the regulatory context for planning and EIA in the UK.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Some experience in supporting project management.

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant environmental, geographical, science or engineering discipline is essential
• Actively working towards chartered status with C.WEM, CEnv, CSci or CEng

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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 70033
• Locations Tithebarn Street, Liverpool, L2 2QP, GB Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7YQ, GB Yale Business Village, Wrexham, LL13 7YL, GB 8 First Street, Manchester, M15 4RP, GB
• Posting Date 06/16/2025, 02:15 PM

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 69,300 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 & Diversity

We welcome applicants with diverse 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 diversity to create a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Med24 offers you and your family unlimited telephone access to an NHS doctor, available 24/7, with options for face-to-face video consultations. 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.

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.