Principal Ecologist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Well-being programme

Flex-time options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking an Ecologist to join their Ecology team in Birmingham. The role involves managing ecological projects, mentoring junior staff, and preparing tenders. The ideal candidate will have experience with UK habitats, strong knowledge of Ecological Impact Assessments, and a proven track record of commercial work. WSP offers a hybrid working policy, a comprehensive well-being programme, and professional development opportunities, making it an excellent workplace for ecological professionals.

Qualifications

• Experience across a range of UK habitats and protected species with survey licenses.
• Proven record in managing ecological projects and regulatory compliance.
• Strong background in Ecological Impact Assessment and writing Environmental Statements.

Responsibilities

• Manage workload and oversee technical quality of ecological deliverables.
• Support junior team members with site and office-based mentorship.
• Generate opportunities and prepare tenders to support client projects.

Skills

Experience with UK habitats

Ecological Impact Assessment

Survey programmes development

Commercial client work

Leadership in ecology

Job description

Overview

The Ecology team at WSP is a large, friendly, and diverse group that works collaboratively with experts across the UK, providing extensive project experience and knowledge. Training and mentoring opportunities support career growth and enable you to develop core ecological, project‑management, and consultancy skills while influencing the wider ecology industry.

Responsibilities

• Embrace WSP’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing culture, creating a safe workplace for all.
• Work closely with your team, the Regional Director, and the Team Leader to manage workload and oversee technical quality.
• Generate opportunities, prepare tenders, and oversee the delivery and management of a range of ecological deliverables (technical, commercial and financial) in support of clients’ projects.
• Provide site‑ and office‑based support to develop and mentor junior team members.
• Nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.

Qualifications

• Experience across a range of UK habitats and protected species and hold (or have held) survey and/or mitigation licences.
• A proven record of supporting clients through devising and delivering survey programmes, developing pragmatic, cost‑effective mitigation, gaining regulator agreement, and supervising implementation on‑site.
• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessment and writing Environmental Statement chapters.
• Experience of Habitats Regulations Assessment.
• A proven record of winning work from commercial clients, especially in residential, mixed use and industrial sectors.
• A passion for leading and supporting ecologists of all grades to develop and progress in their careers at WSP.

Benefits

• Hybrid working policy – work from home up to two days a week.
• Well‑being programme including a Virtual GP service, Gymflex scheme, menopause support package, and the Thrive programme.
• Flex‑time options such as “WSP My Hour”, part‑time and flexible arrangements, and additional leave purchasing.
• Professional development and training, mentoring, and chartership opportunities.

Legal

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.