Principal Freshwater Ecologist in Birmingham

Join to apply for the Freshwater Technical Lead role at WSP in the UK & Ireland.

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• Guiding and overseeing the design of the aquatic ecology baseline survey programmes to support Environmental Impact Assessments and other regulatory documents;
• Authoring Environmental Impact Assessment chapters and other written outputs which contribute to planning submissions for development schemes in the UK and internationally;
• Line managing staff in the aquatic team including monitoring and planning workload and supporting their professional development;
• Preparing tender outputs for medium and large-scale freshwater ecology projects including fee estimates;
• Actively contributing to the management of the aquatic team in areas such as health and safety, technical training and project resourcing;
• Building and maintaining a strong internal and external profile as a technical expert, for example, through our Practice Area Networks and externally.

Qualifications

• Extensive, relevant experience gained within a professional consultancy, regulatory or industrial role;
• Advanced technical knowledge and competency in freshwater ecology, including protected species;
• The ability to produce high quality, technically and scientifically robust reports and other deliverables including Water Framework Directive Assessments and Environmental Statements;
• A comprehensive knowledge of relevant ecology and water legislation, and its application in relation to the planning process;
• Experience in managing staff, including supporting with workload management and technical development;
• Previous experience of managing projects and preparing tender outputs including budget estimates;
• An enthusiastic, confident and positive approach with excellent communication and people management skills.

Benefits

• 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.

EEO Statement

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.