Senior BNG Specialist

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

A Little More About Your Role… As a Senior Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Specialist, you will join our growing Nature Services and BNG Team in Edinburgh or Glasgow and work on some engaging projects within a supportive and varied team of technical experts. As BNG develops within Scotland we are looking for an enthusiastic and adaptable team player with a willingness to learn and grow with our team as our government, local planning authorities and clients develop their guidance and policies. BNG is rapidly evolving in Scotland, and in partnership with our clients and consultees we’re at the forefront of change in practice and understanding of the complex issues that play a part in ensuring positive outcomes for biodiversity. We will fully support your development to ensure you can become a skilled BNG practitioner, calling upon a range of experienced team members. We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive team. We invite you to benefit from our wide range of flexible working arrangements to find a working pattern that suits you so that you are at your best.

Responsibilities

• Planning and undertaking a wide range of terrestrial ecology surveys including UK Habitat, Habitat Condition Assessment (HCA), National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bat, red squirrel, etc.).
• Conducting BNG Assessments using a range of Defra and customised client Toolkits and guidance.
• Consultation with clients and project design teams and liaison with our GIS specialists.
• Preparation of a range of ecological deliverables, including Baseline Reports, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Appropriate Assessments.
• Task management and (if desired) the opportunity to support tendering and project management.
• Mentoring and supporting both junior staff and peers.
• Attending weekly and monthly Ecology team meetings and BNG resourcing meetings.
• Availing of a generous training and career development budget to complete training (in‑house and external), progress within a relevant professional institute and further your own personal development.

Qualifications

• An appropriate academic qualification in Ecology or a related discipline.
• Full membership of CIEEM (ideally working towards Chartership).
• Proven, relevant experience gained within a professional ecological consultancy or regulatory role.
• An enthusiastic, confident and positive approach with excellent communication and people management skills.
• Technical knowledge and competency across a range of Scottish habitats and habitat surveys including UKHab.
• Experience of Phase 1, NVC and HCA would be an advantage.
• An appreciation of design development processes and assessments required for planning applications and design development including EIA and PEA.
• The ability to produce high quality, technically and scientifically robust reports and other deliverables including BNG and habitat assessments.
• Knowledge of relevant ecology policy and guidance.
• Knowledge of local and national planning guidance and policy including NPF4.
• Knowledge of BNG principles and guidance.
• Technical knowledge and experience using the Defra Metric and SSE Toolkits and guidance would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of the data analysis and basic knowledge of digital programmes routinely used for field survey e.g. Coreo, Fieldmaps, Survey123.
• Technical knowledge and competency in the use of GIS (ArcMap or QGIS).

Don’t quite meet the criteria, Apply and see how your experience aligns with the role or other roles within our team. Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.

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. 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.

#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.