Principal Ecologist in Bristol

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 … The Ecology team at WSP is a large, friendly and diverse team. We work collaboratively with experts in various fields across the UK, providing extensive project experience and knowledge. Training and mentoring opportunities for everyone allow you to grow your career. If you have a desire to develop your core ecological, project management and consultancy skills whilst also having the opportunity to influence the wider ecology industry, the WSP Ecology team is the place to do it.

Your New Role What’s Involved?

• Embracing our Health, Safety and Wellbeing culture and creating a safe place for all to work
• Working closely with your team, the Regional Director and the Team Leader to manage workload and oversee technical quality
• Generating opportunities, preparing tenders and overseeing the delivery and management of a range of ecological deliverables (technical, commercial and financial) in support of our clients’ projects
• Providing site‑ and office‑based support to develop and mentor junior team members
• Helping to nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate …

• Experience across a range of UK habitats and protected species and hold (or have held) survey and/or mitigation licences
• A proven record of supporting clients through devising and delivering survey programmes, developing pragmatic, cost‑effective mitigation, gaining the agreement of regulators and supervising implementation on‑site
• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessment and writing Environmental Statement chapters
• Experience of Habitats Regulations Assessment
• A proven record of winning work from commercial clients, particularly in the residential, mixed use and industrial sectors
• A passion for leading and supporting ecologists of all grades to develop and progress in their careers at WSP

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.

About Us We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 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 9,000 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.
• 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.