Senior Ecologist

WSP; Newcastle Emlyn; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join our UK team. You will lead ecological surveys, review methodologies, and contribute to large-scale projects across the landscape.

This role offers mentoring, structured progression, flexible working, and opportunities to shape biodiversity outcomes while collaborating with multidisciplinary specialists.

Qualifications

• 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 licence(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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Mentoring

Education

Ecology degree

Tools

Protected species licence(s)

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 will 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 will 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 licence(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.