Overview
As a Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist, you will help clients deliver measurable biodiversity gains by embedding nature-friendly solutions into development planning. You’ll work within a multidisciplinary Nature Services team to influence design decisions, assess biodiversity impact, and develop practical strategies that align with planning requirements. This role offers exposure to high-profile infrastructure and energy projects, supporting nature recovery across the UK. You will collaborate with ecologists, planners, GIS specialists and engineers to create lasting environmental value.
Pay / Benefits
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- professional development support
- career progression opportunities
- access to biodiversity and natural capital specialists
- collaborative culture
- opportunities to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects
Responsibilities
- Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the current metrics and guidance
- Collect and interpret habitat and ecological data
- Develop practical BNG strategies aligned with planning/consenting requirements
- Apply the mitigation hierarchy to optimise project and biodiversity outcomes
- Support habitat creation, enhancement, restoration and long-term management
- Prepare and review Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs)
- Contribute biodiversity expertise to EIAs, EcIA and broader environmental assessments
- Produce clear, evidence-based technical reports and calculations
- Provide trusted technical advice to clients and project teams
- Communicate biodiversity risks and opportunities to technical/non-technical audiences
- Support project delivery within scope, programme, budget and quality
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions
- Prepare fee proposals, tender submissions and technical methodologies
- Keep up to date with emerging BNG policy, legislation and natural capital developments
- Help develop innovative tools, processes and best practice approaches
- Share knowledge across the business and contribute to technical excellence
- Identify opportunities to grow biodiversity and nature-based services with clients
Key requirements
- Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Management or a related discipline
- Experience delivering or supporting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
- Strong working knowledge of the statutory biodiversity metric and guidance
- Understanding of UK ecology, habitat assessment and environmental legislation
- Ability to analyse ecological and quantitative data and apply professional judgement
- Excellent report writing and communication skills
- Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
- Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams
- team collaboration
- clear communication
- problem solving
- statutory biodiversity metric knowledge
- habitat assessment
- Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs)
Biodiversity Net Gain Consultant in Cardiff employer: WSP Group
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among our talented team. As a Major Projects Executive in Western Australia, you will not only lead transformative transport infrastructure projects but also benefit from executive-level remuneration, flexible working arrangements, and robust leadership development pathways. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the support of a close-knit community dedicated to your professional growth and well-being.
