Associate Director - Watercourse BNG & WFD in London

Associate Director - Watercourse BNG & WFD in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WSP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative watercourse biodiversity projects and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
  • Company: Join WSP, a leader in hydromorphology with a supportive and collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Flexible location, professional development, and the chance to work on award-winning projects.
  • Other info: Be part of the fastest-growing hydromorphology team in the UK.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on river restoration and biodiversity while shaping your career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in watercourse BNG and project management.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Description

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 …

WSP is looking for an Associate Director / Associate to play a pivotal role in the rapid growth of our Hydromorphology Service Line, with a primary focus on watercourse Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and a strong supporting role in Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessment and advisory work.

This is a senior technical and advisory role within our Catchment Science team, where you will lead high-quality water BNG delivery and support a growing pipeline of WFD-related advisory work.

Some of your day-to-day responsibilities...

  • Leading and technically reviewing application of the Watercourse BNG Metric, including reviews of River Condition Assessments.
  • Leading and reviewing Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance assessments
  • Providing senior technical support to our watercourse BNG team
  • Supporting business planning, sales, and bid development for watercourse BNG, WFD, and hydromorphology
  • Identifying opportunities to expand watercourse BNG delivery pipelines
  • Overseeing and advising on Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs) to secure BNG for 30 years
  • Providing high-level technical direction on multidisciplinary projects where both WFD and BNG are being completed.
  • Contributing to or advising on landowner engagement strategies for off-site BNG delivery.
  • Supporting the development of innovative approaches to river restoration, enhancement, and nature-based solutions.
  • Your Team

We have a rapidly growing hydromorphology team providing our technical expertise to a diverse client and project-base.

Our work is currently expanding rapidly into the exciting BNG for Rivers and Streams area, where we are providing technical leadership in the delivery of the watercourse component of BNG.

Our current portfolio of hydromorphology work includes

  • Fluvial audits to inform catchment management options to improve river form and function
  • Erosion monitoring on active dynamic rivers
  • Sediment studies
  • Geomorphology and WFD assessment of flood alleviation schemes and major linear infrastructure projects
  • Exploring natural flood management and natural capital opportunities
  • Channel design for river diversions
  • Developing new methods for hydromorphology assessment.
  • We provide our technical services to a wide range of both internal and external Clients including Rail, Highways, Local Authority, Housing and Private Development sectors

Our rapidly growing technical team is spread across the UK, with hubs in Scotland, Leeds, London, and Bristol, fostering a friendly, collaborative culture that is relaxed, supportive, and positive.

We have delivered award-winning projects such as the Otley Flood Alleviation Scheme, which recently earned the Institution of Civil Engineers Yorkshire and Humber Region's prestigious Smeaton Award for excellence in Civil Engineering.

Committed to your professional growth, we offer full support for development and progression, helping you achieve your career aspirations.

To attract the best talent, we offer flexibility on location, and we are proud to have the fastest-growing, technically excellent hydromorphology team in the UK.

  • What we will be looking for you to demonstrate …
  • A degree in a relevant discipline (e. g. Geography, Environmental Science, Ecology, or similar)
  • Professional membership (e. g. CIWEM, CIEEM, RGS), ideally Chartered.
  • River Condition Assessment accreditation.
  • Strong track record in watercourse BNG, including application of the metric and delivery of net gain strategies.
  • Ability to integrate WFD compliance, watercourse BNG, river restoration and nature-based solutions into coherent project strategies.
  • Knowledge of Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs) and long-term stewardship.
  • Experience managing projects, programmes, and multidisciplinary teams.

Don't quite meet the criteria? Please still apply, as there are plenty of other opportunities we could explore in WSP!

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.

#LI-DM2

Associate Director - Watercourse BNG & WFD in London employer: WSP

WSP is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds that fosters professional growth and development through initiatives like the Land Academy. With a strong emphasis on hybrid working arrangements, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that shape urban and rural landscapes across the UK and Ireland.

WSP

Contact Details:

WSP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Watercourse BNG & WFD in London

Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives

Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.

Join Industry-Specific Organisations

Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like WSP.

Show Off Your Projects and Passion

Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.

Utilise Environmental Job Boards

Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like WSP and can help us land that full-time gig.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Watercourse BNG & WFD in London

Watercourse Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance assessments
River Condition Assessment
Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs)
Project Management
Technical Leadership
Multidisciplinary Team Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at WSP.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. WSP will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.

Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Associate Director - Watercourse BNG & WFD at WSP. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.

How to prepare for a job interview at WSP

Brush Up on Environmental Regulations

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at WSP, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.

Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability

In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show WSP that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.