Senior Ecologist

WSP; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join our growing Nature Services team across Scotland and Ireland. You’ll plan and deliver ecology surveys, lead project tasks, mentor junior colleagues, and help secure licences and consents for complex developments.

You’ll collaborate closely with clients, regulators and stakeholders to shape positive biodiversity outcomes. With support from a multidisciplinary network, you’ll deepen technical expertise, contribute to national initiatives, and develop

Qualifications

• Relevant ecology qualification required.
• Full CIEEM membership or eligible to apply.
• Experience planning and carrying out desk-based and field ecology surveys in the UK.
• Proven ability to produce robust ecological reports and other deliverables.
• Experience in consultancy/regulatory/industrial environments with strong communication.
• GIS knowledge (ArcGIS or QGIS) advantageous.
• Specialist licence or expertise is an advantage.
• QA experience of technical deliverables is beneficial.
• Desire to develop core ecological and consultancy skills within a supportive team.

Responsibilities

• Plan and undertake ecology surveys including Phase 1/UKHab and protected species surveys.
• Prepare a range of ecological deliverables (Protected Species Reports, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals).
• Prepare tenders and reports (Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Appraisals, licences).
• Undertake client liaison and project management.
• Consult and negotiate with regulators and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members and foster a positive working environment.
• Participate in team meetings and national initiatives.
• Pursue professional development with support from colleagues.
• Share knowledge and opportunities for learning and innovation.

Skills

Ecology surveys

GIS (ArcGIS/QGIS)

Communication

Project management

Mentoring juniors

Education

Ecology or related subject

Tools

UKHab surveys

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.