Principal or Associate, Air Quality Consultant in Birmingham

Principal or Associate, Air Quality Consultant in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WSP Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead air quality projects in the Rail sector and mentor junior team members.
  • Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering and professional services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and opportunities for personal development.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and work-life balance with extensive growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on landmark projects while shaping your unique career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in air quality consultancy and a degree in a scientific discipline required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

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… The role will lead on technically challenging air quality projects within the Rail sector. Working within the Air Quality team, the primary function and duties would include the following:

  • Dispersion modelling using ADMS and ADMS-Roads, with opportunities to work with other dispersion modelling software (e.g. Aermod, Calpuff), within sectors such as development planning, waste, renewable energy, carbon capture, mining, oil and gas, and highways;
  • Designing and implementing ambient air quality monitoring plans, including both passive and automatic techniques;
  • Preparing technical reports;
  • Project management to budget, programme and scope;
  • Preparing bid submissions, quotes and tenders;
  • Mentoring / supervising junior members of the team;
  • Supporting the strategic direction of the South West and Wales air quality team;
  • Completing detailed technical modelling reviews and report reviews;
  • Liaising with both internal and external clients, project teams, Local Authorities, and national government bodies.

Your Team: The individual taking this role will report to one of our Technical Directors and, as well as supporting the national air quality team (circa 33 FTE) on projects of local, regional, and national significance, will have the freedom to support the development. Whilst sitting within a regional team, there will be extensive opportunities available to work with the wider UK air quality team and internationally across a wide range of air quality projects.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

  • Significant experience in an air quality consultancy or a similar organisation
  • Significant experience within the Rail sector.
  • A degree in a scientific discipline is required and ideally another post graduate environmental qualification, but this is not essential
  • Excellent technical background and numerical skills, with extensive experience in using ADMS and ADMS-Roads. In addition, experience of Aermod and/or Calpuff is desirable but not essential.
  • Ambient air quality monitoring experience
  • Excellent working knowledge and demonstrable understanding of relevant legislation, policy, technical guidance and industry standards and best practice relating to air quality
  • Excellent communication and IT skills, including experience in data analysis and interpretation using Excel and GIS
  • Associate or full membership of the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM)
  • Experience of project management, supervision and quality assurance of packages of work including managing others to delivery against high technical standards.
  • Must be energetic, self-motivated and prepared to drive own utilisation personal development, and that of the wider team;
  • Ability to write clear, concise reports/proposals
  • Positive and proactive approach, demonstrating accountability for their own utilisation and personal development (and that of the wider team)

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. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

  • Work-life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
  • Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
  • Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
  • Flex your time: To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
  • Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

Full time Posting Date: 2026-03-13

Principal or Associate, Air Quality Consultant in Birmingham employer: WSP Group

At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and personal growth. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, our hybrid working policy allows for flexibility while collaborating with talented professionals on impactful air quality projects in the Rail sector. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to meaningful initiatives that benefit communities across the UK and beyond.

WSP Group

Contact Details:

WSP Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal or Associate, Air Quality Consultant in Birmingham

Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives

Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.

Join Industry-Specific Organisations

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Show Off Your Projects and Passion

Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.

Utilise Environmental Job Boards

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We think you need these skills to ace Principal or Associate, Air Quality Consultant in Birmingham

Dispersion Modelling
ADMS
ADMS-Roads
Aermod
Calpuff
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
Technical Report Writing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at WSP Group.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. WSP Group will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.

Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal or Associate, Air Quality Consultant at WSP Group. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.

How to prepare for a job interview at WSP Group

Brush Up on Environmental Regulations

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at WSP Group, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.

Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability

In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show WSP Group that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.