Consultant- Biodiversity

WSP in India; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Job summary

WSP India seeks a Biodiversity Consultant to provide expert ornithology and biodiversity services for national and international projects, contributing to environmental assessments, permitting, and ecological design.

The role involves bird survey analysis, impact assessment, mitigation support, and report preparation, working with multidisciplinary teams across Italy and Europe under national and EU legislation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in biodiversity and ornithology within consultancy, applied research, or conservation contexts.
• Ability to analyze bird surveys data and translate findings into impact assessments.
• Good technical writing skills in English; knowledge of other EU languages is a strong advantage.
• Experience supporting EIA / Appropriate Assessment processes.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to bird ecology assessments for infrastructure, energy, transport, and land projects.
• Analyse ornithological survey data, including breeding and migratory bird surveys and habitat-based assessments.
• Draft bird ecology sections of technical reports and support GIS-based mapping of sensitivities and receptors.
• Support identification of potential impacts and mitigation measures for biodiversity-related effects.

Skills

Ornithology

Bird survey analysis

Technical writing

GIS basics

Education

MSc in Ecology/Ornithology/Environmental Science

Tools

GIS

Job description

Job Description

The Biodiversity Consultant will provide technical support in ornithological and biodiversity services for national and international projects, contributing to environmental assessments, permitting processes, and ecological design. The role involves bird survey analysis and modelling, impact assessment, mitigation support, and report preparation, working within multidisciplinary teams across Italy and Europe in compliance with applicable national and EU legislation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of bird ecology assessments for infrastructure, energy, transport, and land development projects.
• Analyse and interpret ornithological survey data, including (as applicable):
  • Breeding bird surveys
  • Wintering and migratory bird surveys
  • Habitat-based bird assessments
  • Vantage point / flight activity data (where required)
• Support the identification of potential impacts on bird species and populations.

Environmental Impact Assessment & Permitting

• Prepare technical inputs related to biodiversity and, where needed, specifically to bird ecology for:
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
  • Appropriate Assessment / Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
  • Screening and scoping documentation
• Support the definition of mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures for biodiversity-related impacts.
• Contribute to biodiversity and Natura 2000-related analyses where relevant.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Draft bird ecology sections of technical reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy and compliance with best practice.
• Support the use of GIS and spatial data to map sensitivities, constraints, and ecological receptors.
• Ensure data quality, traceability, and consistency with internal technical standards.

Standards, Legislation & Best Practice

• Work in accordance with relevant national and European frameworks, including:
  • EU Birds Directive and Habitats Directive
  • National wildlife protection legislation
  • Sector guidance (e.g. ecological survey and impact assessment standards)
• Maintain awareness of evolving ecological legislation and best practice guidance.

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams (EIA specialists, planners, GIS, engineers).
• Interface with colleagues across multiple countries and time zones.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing, technical development, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Competencies

Essential

• Proven experience in biodiversity and ornithology within consultancy, applied research, or conservation contexts.
• Ability to analyze bird surveys data and translate findings into impact assessments.
• Good technical writing skills in English; knowledge of Italian or other EU languages is a strong advantage.
• Experience supporting EIA / Appropriate Assessment processes.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks under the guidance of senior staff.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Desirable

• Familiarity with "birds collision risk modelling" (e.g., designing, managing and/or interpreting baseline studies to understand bird presence and movements, such as species composition, flight behavior, use of the site, etc. and applying recognized modelling frameworks.
• Familiarity with biodiversity assessment tools and habitat-based approaches.
• Working knowledge of GIS or spatial analysis tools.
• Experience on infrastructure, renewable energy, or large-scale development projects.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Ornithology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, or related fields.
• Additional training in ornithology, biodiversity assessment, or environmental impact assessment is an advantage.

Experience Level

• Typically 3-6 years of professional experience in bird ecology, environmental consultancy, or applied ecological assessment.
• Experience working on multi-country or international projects is considered a strong asset.

BGV:

• Employment with WSP India is subject to the successful completion of a background verification ("BGV") check conducted by a third-party agency appointed by WSP India.
• Candidates are advised to ensure that all information provided during the recruitment process — including documents uploaded — is accurate and complete, both to WSP India and its BGV partner.

About Us

WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services consulting firms. We are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower. We are technical experts and strategic advisors including engineers, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals. We design lasting solutions in the Transportation & Infrastructure, Property & Buildings, Earth & Environment, Power & Energy, Resources and Industry sectors, as well as offering strategic advisory services. Our talented people around the globe engineer projects that will help societies grow for lifetimes to come.

With approximately 4,000 talented people across 3 locations (Noida, Bengaluru & Mumbai offices) in India and more than 73,000 globally, in 550 offices across 40 countries, we engineer projects that will help societies grow for lifetimes to come.

At "WSP" we draw on the diverse skills and capabilities of our employees globally to compete for the most exciting and complex projects across the world and bring the same level of expertise to our local communities. We are proud to be an international collective of innovative thinkers who work on the most complex problems. Unified under one strong brand, we use our local expertise, international reach and global scale to prepare our cities and environments for the future, connect communities and help societies thrive in built and natural ecosystems. True to our guiding principles, our business is built on four cornerstones: Our People, Our Clients, Our Operational Excellence and Our Expertise.

www.wsp.com

We are

• Passionate people doing purposeful and sustainable work that helps shape our communities and the future.
• A collaborative team that thrives on challenges and unconventional thinking.
• A network of experts channeling our curiosity into creating solutions for complex issues.

Inspired by diversity, driven by inclusion, we work with passion and purpose.

Working with Us

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.

Our Hybrid Working Module

With us, you can operate in a flexible, agile, yet structured work environment and follow a Hybrid Work Model.

• Maximize collaboration.
• Maintain product quality and cultural integrity.
• Balance community, collaboration, opportunity, productivity, and efficiency.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Our people are our greatest asset, and we prioritize a safe work environment. Health, safety, and wellbeing are integral to our culture, with each of us accountable for fostering a safe workplace through our "Making Health and Safety Personal" initiative. Our Zero Harm Vision drives us to reduce risks through innovative solutions, earning recognition for our global health and safety practices with the prestigious RoSPA Health and Safety Awards for six consecutive years.

Inclusivity and Diversity

WSP India is dedicated to fostering a sustainable and inclusive work environment where our greatest strength - Our People -feel valued, respected, and supported. We ensure an unbiased approach in hiring, promotion, and performance evaluation, regardless of age, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, physical ability, education, social status, or cultural background.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

With us, you can.