Senior Ecologist

WSP; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join a large, diverse team across the UK. You’ll provide technical advice, plan and lead ecology surveys, and prepare ecological deliverables for major schemes with real biodiversity impact.

You will work with environmental specialists, develop project management and mentoring skills, and benefit from flexible working and clear progression paths in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Academic qualification in ecology or related discipline.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• Experience in PEAs and Hab surveys and protected species surveys.
• Experience in producing ecological reports and tenders.
• Ability to work in a team of ecologists and environmental professionals.
• Excellent knowledge of ecology legislation and survey methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Providing technical advice, and planning and leading ecology surveys including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and protected species surveys.
• Preparing tenders for schemes and conducting habitat, botanical and protected species surveys.
• Inputting into ecological deliverables such as EPAs, EcIA, EIAs, and HRA.
• Client liaison and project management.
• Consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.
• Mentoring and training the wider ecology team.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team collaboration

Client liaison

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Mentoring & training

Education

Ecology degree

CIEEM membership

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-focused and proactive attitude.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

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.

With us, you can. Apply today.