Principal Ecologist

WSP; Newcastle Emlyn; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Health & wellbeing initiatives

Career development & mentoring

Job summary

WSP is seeking an ecologist to join our UK Ecology team, contributing to projects across habitats and protected species while supporting survey programmes, mitigation strategies and regulatory submissions.

You will mentor junior ecologists, oversee deliverables and help win work with residential, mixed-use and industrial clients. We offer hybrid working, flexible hours and a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience across a range of UK habitats and protected species; survey licences and mitigation experience.
• Experience delivering survey programmes, pragmatic mitigation, regulator engagement and on-site supervision.
• Experience in Ecological Impact Assessment and Environmental Statements chapters.

Responsibilities

• Embrace Health, Safety and Wellbeing culture and create a safe workplace.
• Collaborate with Regional Director and Team Leader to manage workload and ensure technical quality.
• Generate opportunities, prepare tenders and oversee ecological deliverables (technical, commercial, financial).
• Provide site- and office-based support to mentor junior ecologists and grow the team.
• Foster an enthusiastic, supportive, productive working environment.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Project management

Client liaison

Mentoring

Education

Degree in ecology or related field

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.

A little more about your role

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.

Your New Role What's Involved

• 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

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate

• 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: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in 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.

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 and Gymflex scheme offer medical support and gym membership discounts. We also provide 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 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 invest in your growth through training, mentoring and opportunities for Chartership.

Equal Opportunity

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.