Principal Ecologist

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working across UK

Flexible working arrangements

Training and mentoring

Wellbeing and health support

Chartership development

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland’s Ecology team offers a collaborative environment where you will develop core ecological and project-management skills while contributing to a wide range of UK projects.

You’ll work with a diverse team across the UK, with mentoring opportunities and flexible working options to support career growth in ecology and consultancy.

Qualifications

• Experience across a range of UK habitats and protected species.
• Survey/mitigation licences held or previously held.
• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessments and Environmental Statement chapters.
• Experience of Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Proven ability to win work from commercial clients, esp. residential/mixed use/industrial.

Responsibilities

• Embrace Health, Safety and Wellbeing culture and create a safe workplace.
• Work with Regional Director and Team Leader to manage workload and ensure technical quality.
• Generate opportunities, prepare tenders and oversee ecological deliverables for clients’ projects.
• Provide site and office support to mentor junior team members.
• Help nurture an enthusiastic, supportive and productive working environment.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Project coordination

Client liaison

Mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Relevant ecology degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

The Ecology team at WSP is a large, friendly and diverse team. We work collaboratively with experts in various fields across the UK providing extensive project experience and knowledge. Training and mentoring opportunities for everyone allow you to grow your career. If you have a desire to develop your core ecological, project management and consultancy skills while also having the opportunity to influence the wider ecology industry, the WSP Ecology team is the place to do it.

Responsibilities

• Embracing our Health, Safety and Wellbeing culture and creating a safe place for all to work
• Working closely with your team, the Regional Director and the Team Leader to manage workload and oversee technical quality
• Generating opportunities, preparation of tenders and overseeing the delivery and management of a range of ecological deliverables (technical, commercial and financial) in support of our clients’ projects.
• Providing site- and office‑based support to develop and mentor junior team members.
• Helping to 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 the agreement of regulators 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, particularly in the 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

Work‑life balance

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 employee resource groups to promote a 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. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

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 foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

EEO Statement

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.