At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead freshwater ecology projects and mentor a talented team of ecologists.
- Company: Join WSP, a leader in environmental consultancy with a global network.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development opportunities, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate on exciting projects across UK and international landscapes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on freshwater ecosystems and shape industry standards.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in freshwater ecology and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are seeking an Associate Director or Technical Director in Freshwater Ecology to join our expanding Aquatic Ecology team. This is an outstanding opportunity for an established technical specialist who thrives on leading complex programmes, advising clients and regulators, and raising the bar for best practice across the industry. We’ll act as a trusted authority on freshwater ecology, providing expertise across major UK and international infrastructure schemes, including DCO/NSIP projects, regulated water company frameworks, and long‑term capital programmes.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and guide the design of freshwater and aquatic ecology baseline survey programmes for EIAs and regulatory submissions.
- Author high-quality technical reports, including EIA chapters, WFD assessments, and planning deliverables for both UK and international clients.
- Line manage and mentor talented aquatic ecologists, supporting their growth, wellbeing, and workloads.
- Prepare competitive tenders and fee estimates for medium and large‑scale freshwater ecology projects.
- Support the management of the wider aquatic team—including health & safety, training, resource planning, and technical excellence.
- Build and maintain a strong profile as a recognised technical expert, contributing to WSP’s Practice Area Networks and representing the business externally.
About the Team
Our Aquatic Ecology team works across freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments on a truly exciting range of projects.
Typical Portfolio Areas Include
- River restoration and catchment enhancement schemes
- Design of ecological monitoring programmes
- Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
- EIA and Water Framework Directive assessments
- Salmonid habitat restoration and NEP projects for water companies
- Routine biological monitoring
- International development and R&D projects
- Collaboration with in‑house experts in fluvial geomorphology, BNG, hydrology, and environmental planning, giving the opportunity to influence multi‑disciplinary solutions and shape future industry standards.
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive professional experience in consultancy, regulatory bodies, or industry settings.
- Advanced technical expertise in freshwater ecology, including protected species and habitat assessment.
- A proven ability to deliver technically robust, scientifically rigorous reports for WFD assessments, EIAs, and Environmental Statements.
- Strong understanding of UK water and ecology legislation and its application within the planning process.
- Demonstrated experience managing and developing teams.
- Proven project management skills, including tender preparation and budgeting.
- A positive, collaborative, and engaging leadership style with excellent communication skills.
Why Join WSP
- The freedom to define the direction of your specialist area
- The support of a global ecology and environmental network
- A variety of UK and international projects to grow your portfolio
- Real opportunities for career development, leadership, and technical influence
Associate Director / Technical Director - Freshwater Ecology in London employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
WSP is an exceptional employer for those passionate about freshwater ecology, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With access to a global network of experts and a diverse range of projects, employees are empowered to shape their careers while contributing to meaningful environmental solutions. The company prioritises professional growth, providing ample opportunities for mentorship and leadership development in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director / Technical Director - Freshwater Ecology in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the freshwater ecology field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in freshwater ecology. Include reports, project summaries, and any presentations you've given. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like EIA and WFD assessments. Practice common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your leadership and technical expertise.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to exciting projects in freshwater ecology.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director / Technical Director - Freshwater Ecology in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate Director or Technical Director role. Highlight your experience in freshwater ecology and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise in freshwater ecology. Include specific examples of reports you've authored or projects you've managed. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate why you’re the right fit for our Aquatic Ecology team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
✨Know Your Freshwater Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in freshwater ecology. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving EIA chapters or WFD assessments. This will show your depth of knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing and mentoring a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Talk about your leadership style and how you support your team's growth and wellbeing. This will demonstrate that you're not just technically skilled but also a great leader.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face some tough technical questions during the interview. Review key concepts related to habitat assessment and biodiversity net gain. Being able to articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills will impress the interviewers.
✨Bring Your Project Management Experience to the Fore
Highlight your experience with project management, especially in preparing tenders and budgets for large-scale projects. Be ready to discuss how you manage resources and ensure technical excellence within your team. This will show that you can handle the complexities of the role.
