Senior Ecologist in Glasgow

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

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologist to join our growing Ecology Team in Naas and work on engaging projects within a supportive team of technical experts. We work closely with our sister office in Belfast and, although work would primarily be in Ireland, the Ireland and Scotland Ecology Teams collaborate to deliver a diverse range of projects, including nationally significant infrastructure projects, renewable energy projects, utility refurbishment projects and large Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) projects. We collaborate with a range of interrelated disciplines, including Biodiversity Net Gain and Natural Capital specialists, arboriculturists, landscape architects, hydrologists, environmental scientists and geotechnical specialists. We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive team, so even if you’re not sure you match everything in our job description, we are still keen for you to make an application.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning and undertaking ecology surveys including Fossick habitat surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bat, smooth newt, etc).
• Preparation of tenders and a range of ecological deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EIAR chapters and Appropriate Assessment reports.
• Client liaison and project management.
• Consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.
• Mentoring junior team members.
• Helping to nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.
• Attending regular weekly and monthly Ecology team meetings.
• Availing of a generous training and career development budget to complete training (in‑house and external).

Required Qualifications & Experience

• An appropriate academic qualification and/or experience in a related discipline.
• Experience across a range of Irish habitats and ideally experience with securing derogation licences from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessment and writing EIAR chapters.
• Experience of Appropriate Assessment.
• Strong communication skills, solution‑focussed and proactive.

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.

What’s in it for you?

• Work‑life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. 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.
• 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.

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.