Senior Ecologist

WSP; Scotland; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy is seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologist to join their Ecology Team in Scotland. The successful candidate will lead ecology surveys, manage client relationships, and prepare ecological assessments for numerous infrastructure projects. Ideal applicants will have strong ecological assessment experience, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to mentor junior team members. This role also offers generous training and development opportunities in a dynamic and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Generous training and career development budget

Collaborative and inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Experience across a range of Irish habitats, ideally with derogation licences.
• Experience writing EIAR chapters and conducting Appropriate Assessments.
• Solution-focused and proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Planning and conducting ecology surveys including habitat assessments.
• Preparation of ecological deliverables including reports.
• Client liaison and project management across various projects.

Skills

Ecological Impact Assessment

Strong communication skills

Planning and undertaking ecology surveys

Client liaison

Mentoring junior team members

Education

Appropriate academic qualification in ecology or related discipline

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role...

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologist to join our growing Ecology Team in Naas and work on some engaging projects within a supportive team of technical experts.

We work closely with our sister office in Belfast and although work would primarily be in Ireland, the Ireland and Scotland Ecology Teams work together to deliver a diverse range of projects, including nationally significant infrastructure projects, renewable energy projects, utility refurbishment projects and large Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) projects.

We collaborate with a range of interrelated disciplines including Biodiversity Net Gain and Natural Capital specialists, arboriculturists, landscape architects, hydrologists, environmental scientists and geotechnical specialists.

We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive team, so even if you’re not sure you match everything in our job description, we are still keen for you to make an application.

Senior or Principal Ecologist responsibilities

• Planning and undertaking ecology surveys including Fossitt habitat surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bat, smooth newt, etc).
• Preparation of tenders and a range of ecological deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EIAR chapters and Appropriate Assessment reports.
• Client liaison and project management.
• Consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.
• Mentoring junior team members.
• Helping to nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.
• Attending regular weekly and monthly Ecology team meetings.
• Availing of a generous training and career development budget to complete training (in-house and external).

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate

• An appropriate academic qualification and/or experience in a related discipline.
• Experience across a range of Irish habitats and ideally has experience with securing derogation licences from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessment and writing EIAR chapters.
• Experience of Appropriate Assessment.
• Strong communication skills, and is solution-focussed and proactive.

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.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can.

Apply today.