Senior Ecologist

WSP; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join a large, diverse ecology team across the UK. You will provide technical ecology expertise, lead on surveys and deliverables, and contribute to bids and client engagement.

You will mentor colleagues, collaborate with environmental professionals, and help shape biodiversity outcomes on major projects through innovative survey design and nature-based solutions. Flexible working and career progression are highlighted.

Qualifications

• Academic qualification in a related discipline with membership of CIEEM.
• Protected species license(s) or other specialist ecological skills.
• Experience in PEAs, Habitat surveys, and protected species surveys.
• Experience producing fee quotations and tenders and contributing to technical reports.
• Ability to work in a team of ecologists and environmental professionals.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, and survey methodologies.
• Authoring Ecological Impact Assessments is desirable.
• Proactive communication and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and lead on ecology surveys (e.g., Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, UKHab surveys, protected species surveys).
• Prepare tenders for schemes and ecological survey packages.
• Input into ecological deliverables and reports (EIAs, HRA, EcIA).
• Liaise with clients and manage projects.
• Engage with regulators and stakeholders; mentor and train the ecology team.

Skills

Academic qualification

CIEEM membership

Protected species license

PEAs & surveys

Tenders & quotations

Team collaboration

Legislation knowledge

Ecological Impact Assessments

Education

Related discipline degree

Job description

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.

A little more about your role…

As a Senior Ecologist with WSP, you'll join a large, friendly, and diverse team that puts collaboration, wellbeing, and professional growth at the heart of everything we do.

Flexible working is a core part of our culture, supporting a healthy balance between work, personal life, family and wellbeing, while our strong knowledge sharing ethos ensures you'll always feel supported. You'll be part of an environment where ecologists learn from one another through peer support networks, specialist groups, and open collaboration across all experience levels.

You'll work alongside environmental specialists across the UK, gaining exposure to multidisciplinary thinking and global expertise. You'll deepen your technical ecological skills, build project management experience, and receive structured mentoring and training whether your goal is advancing towards protected species licences or growing into more senior roles via clear progression pathways.

You'll contribute to large-scale and complex schemes with real influence on biodiversity outcomes at the landscape level. With room for innovation in survey design, modelling, mitigation planning, and nature-based solutions, you'll have the opportunity to apply cutting‑edge ecological methods while shaping projects with wide‑reaching environmental impact. Above all, you'll join a team with a strong sense of purpose and take pride in delivering genuinely nature‑positive outcomes.

Your New Role What's Involved?

• Providing technical advice, and planning and leading on ecology surveys including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, UKHab surveys and protected species surveys.
• Preparing tenders for a range of schemes, and suites of habitat, botanical and protected species surveys.
• Inputting into a range of ecological deliverables, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Management Plans, Protected Species Reports, European Protected Species licence applications, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Biodiversity chapters of EIAs and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Client liaison and project management.
• Consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.
• Helping to nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.
• Providing mentoring and training to the wider ecology team.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• An appropriate academic qualification in a related discipline and membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (mentoring is available for upgrade to Full Membership).
• Protected species license(s) or other specialist skill sets with relevance to ecological consultancy.
• Experience in undertaking PEAs, /Hab survey and protected species surveys.
• Experience in the production of fee quotations and tenders and inputting into technical ecological reports.
• The ability to work in a team of ecologists and environmental professionals.
• Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation and policy, and ecological survey methodologies.
• The ability to author Ecological Impact Assessments is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, and a solution‑focussed and proactive attitude.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

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?

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