Principal Environmental Clerk of Works
WSP in the UK & Ireland
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
WSP is seeking a senior environmental compliance professional for field-based work across the UK. You will oversee environmental performance, ensure compliance with consents and legislation, and guide project teams in governance and risk management.
As part of a multidisciplinary environment, you will mentor junior staff, engage with clients and regulators, and contribute to bids and development of new environmental work. Travel across the UK is required.
Qualifications
- Strong experience in environmental compliance within construction or infrastructure.
- Excellent understanding of UK environmental legislation.
- Demonstrated impartiality and evidence‑based decision‑making.
- Advanced auditing, analytical and reporting skills.
Responsibilities
- Deliver independent, evidence‑based environmental compliance monitoring.
- Safeguard adherence to planning conditions, licences, permits and legislation.
- Identify, record and elevate risks, issues and non‑compliances.
- Mentor EnvCoWs to drive consistent, high‑quality delivery.
- Lead environmental inspections and audits across multi‑site projects.
- Interpret CEMPs, species protection plans, licences and environmental documentation.
Skills
Education
Job description
What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.
What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.
At WSP, your future has no limits. Here, you’ll be part of a global community of experts shaping some of the most transformative projects across the UK. You’ll work in a culture that champions curiosity, celebrates diverse perspectives, and empowers you to build a career as unique as you are. As one of the world’s leading engineering and environmental professional services firms, we are committed to creating solutions that enable communities and the natural environment to thrive. We combine deep local expertise with worldwide knowledge to deliver sustainable, technically robust outcomes across property and buildings, transport and infrastructure, earth and environment, industry, and energy.
As a senior environmental compliance professional, you will act as an independent, impartial EnvCoW, providing transparent oversight of construction activities across complex infrastructure projects. You will monitor environmental performance, evaluate compliance with consents and legislation, and help ensure that environmental commitments are upheld. This is a field‑based position with regular travel across the UK.
- Deliver independent, evidence‑based environmental compliance monitoring.
- Safeguard adherence to planning conditions, licences, permits and legislation.
- Identify, record and elevate risks, issues and non‑compliances.
- Support strong environmental governance across project teams.
- Lead environmental inspections and structured audits across multi‑site construction projects.
- Develop project‑wide inspection and audit plans defining compliance criteria.
- Produce clear, evidence‑based weekly RAG reports and monthly compliance summaries.
- Interpret CEMPs, species protection plans, licences and environmental documentation.
- Mentor and support EnvCoWs to drive consistent, high‑quality delivery.
- Provide senior technical guidance on environmental risks and mitigation requirements.
- Engage effectively with clients, contractors, regulators and planning authorities.
- Contribute to bids, proposals and development of new environmental compliance work.
- Support CPD, training and development of junior team members.
You’ll bring credibility, independence and strong environmental judgement, with:
- Strong experience in environmental compliance within construction or infrastructure.
- Excellent understanding of UK environmental legislation.
- Demonstrated impartiality and evidence‑based decision‑making.
- Advanced auditing, analytical and reporting skills.
- Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Ability to lead, mentor and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
- Resilience and adaptability in challenging site environments.
- Highly organised approach with good problem‑solving capabilities.
- Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Ecology or related discipline.
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., AEnvCoW, CIEEM, ISEP).
- CSCS card (or willingness to obtain).
- Auditing or environmental compliance training (desirable).
At WSP, you’ll access global expertise, long‑term career pathways, market‑leading training, and the opportunity to directly influence environmental outcomes that truly matter. You’ll be supported, challenged and empowered to make an impact.
Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself.
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 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 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.
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.
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 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.
- 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 when you need it most.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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