Senior Ecologist

WSP; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Chartered status support

Wellbeing and development programs

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join our expanding Nature Services team across Scotland and Ireland. You’ll work with a supportive network of technical specialists on a wide range of ecological projects, while developing your expertise and mentoring others.

We welcome applicants eager to learn and grow, with opportunities for professional development, Chartered status support, and a flexible hybrid work model across the UK.

Qualifications

• Formal ecology degree or related discipline.
• Full membership of CIEEM or eligible to apply.
• Strong ability to plan and conduct desk-based and field ecology surveys.
• Proven report writing and ecological impact assessment skills.
• Experience in consultancy or regulatory contexts and client liaison.

Responsibilities

• Plan and undertake ecology surveys including Phase 1/ UKHab habitat surveys and protected species surveys.
• Prepare Protected Species Reports and Prelim Ecological Appraisals.
• Prepare tenders and ecological deliverables including EIA and Habitats Regulations Appraisals.
• Undertake client liaison and project management.
• Mentor junior team members and support team development.
• Participate in team meetings and national initiatives.
• Develop technical expertise through training and coaching.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder liaison

Technical reporting

Mentoring

Education

Ecology degree or related subject

Tools

GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS)

Job description

We are currently looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our growing Nature Services team. You’ll work alongside a supportive network of technical specialists on a rich variety of projects across Scotland and Ireland. We need an enthusiastic and adaptable individual to enable project delivery with a willingness to learn and grow with our team and support the growth of others.

Why This Role Matters

Our portfolio of ecology projects in Scotland and beyond is extensive and rapidly evolving, and WSP is helping to lead this change working with clients, government, planners and consultees to shape better outcomes for nature, society, and the environment.

Joining our team means you’ll be at the forefront of delivery while receiving full support to grow your expertise, build your confidence, and develop into a highly skilled ecological practitioner.

We welcome applications from individuals who may not tick every box just yet but are eager to learn, develop and make a difference.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Senior Ecologist, you will:

• Plan and undertake ecology surveys including Phase 1/ UKHab habitat surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bat, amphibians and reptiles, etc).
• Prepare a range of ecological deliverables including Protected Species Reports and Preliminary Ecological Appraisals.
• Prepare tenders and a range of ecological deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Appraisals, technical reports and mitigation licence applications.
• Undertake client liaison and project management.
• Conduct consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members whilst helping to nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.
• Participate in weekly and monthly Nature Services team meetings and national initiatives.
• Deepen your technical expertise and pursue professional development supported by colleagues and through formal training.
• Harness your potential to develop specific skillsets and share technical knowledge and opportunities for learning and innovations with colleagues.

What We’re Looking For

• A relevant academic qualification in ecology or a related subject.
• Full membership of CIEEM or eligible to apply.
• Technical knowledge and competency in planning and undertaking ecology desk-based and field surveys within the UK such as botanical survey and habitat classification and/or protected species surveys across a broad range of habitats and seasons, and use of H&S practices including site risk assessments.
• Ability to produce high quality, technically and scientifically robust ecological reports and other project deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Protected Species Reports, and Habitats Regulations Appraisals.
• Proven relevant experience gained within a professional consultancy, regulatory and/or industrial role(s) with strong communication and organisation skills.
• Technical knowledge and competency of relevant ecology policy and guidance (particularly within Scotland) and use of GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS) would be an advantage.
• A technical specialism or species survey licence would be an advantage.
• Proven relevant experience in undertaking, or a desire for moving towards, quality assurance of technical deliverables would be an advantage
• A desire to develop your core ecological and consultancy skills, be supported by a team of ecologists and other environmental professionals.

Who You’ll Work With

You will collaborate closely with colleagues across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast and contribute to a wide range of projects, including:

• Nationally significant infrastructure projects
• Renewable energy developments
• Utility refurbishment programmes
• Smaller flood defence, active travel and green spaces projects

You’ll also work alongside experts in Biodiversity Net Gain, natural capital, ornithology, freshwater and marine ecology, arboriculture, landscape architecture, hydrology, engineering and geotechnical specialisms.

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?

With us, you can.

#LI-MB1

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.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

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.

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 our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds 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 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.

Flex your time

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.

Your development

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.

#WeAreWSP

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.