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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecology projects, mentor team members, and conduct surveys across Scotland and Ireland.
- Company: Join a dynamic Nature Services team at WSP, committed to environmental change.
- Benefits: Support for professional development, competitive salary, and a focus on health and wellbeing.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and collaboration with technical specialists.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature and society while growing your ecological expertise.
- Qualifications: Relevant ecology qualification and experience in leading teams and managing projects.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for a Principal Ecologist/Associate Ecologist to join our growing Nature Services team. You’ll work alongside a supportive network of technical specialists on a rich variety of projects across Scotland and Ireland. We need an enthusiastic and adaptable individual to enable project delivery with a willingness to learn and grow with our team and support the growth of others.
Why This Role Matters
Our portfolio of ecology projects in Scotland and beyond is extensive and rapidly evolving, and WSP is helping to lead this change working with clients, government, planners and consultees to shape better outcomes for nature, society, and the environment. Joining our team means you’ll be at the forefront of delivery while receiving full support to grow your expertise, build your confidence, and develop into a highly skilled ecological practitioner. We welcome applications from individuals who may not tick every box just yet but are eager to learn, develop and make a difference.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Embrace our Health, Safety and Wellbeing culture and create a safe place for all to work.
- Provide motivational leadership and line management for team members at various grades including overseeing workload planning and forecasting, whilst guiding and supporting professional development.
- Support the Team Lead/Deputy Team Lead with day‑to‑day project resourcing and through proactively contributing to effective team management in areas such as health and safety, technical training, recruitment, and chairing of meetings.
- Plan and undertake ecology surveys including Phase 1/ UKHab habitat surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bat, amphibians and reptiles, etc).
- Prepare and review tenders and a range of ecological deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Protected Species Reports, Habitats Regulations Appraisals, technical reports and mitigation licence applications.
- Undertake client liaison and project management.
- Conduct consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.
- Mentor junior team members whilst helping to nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.
- Build and maintain a visible internal and external profile as a technical expert and collaborative leader.
- Participate in weekly and monthly Nature Services team meetings and national initiatives.
- Deepen your technical expertise and pursue professional development supported by colleagues and through formal training.
- Harness your potential to develop specific skillsets and share technical knowledge and opportunities for learning and innovations with colleagues.
As an Associate Ecologist, you will also:
- Generate opportunities, prepare and review tenders and oversee the delivery and management of a range of ecological deliverables (technical, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Protected Species Reports, Habitats Regulations Appraisals, Environmental Statement chapters, technical reports and mitigation licence applications; commercial and financial) in support of our clients' projects.
- Provide site‑ and office‑based support to junior team members in the planning and undertaking of ecology surveys including Phase 1/ UKHab habitat surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bat, amphibians and reptiles, etc).
What We’re Looking For
- A relevant academic qualification in ecology or a related subject.
- Full membership of CIEEM (ideally working towards full chartership) or eligible to apply.
- Proven relevant experience of motivating and leading others, including supporting team development and managing project workloads.
- Advanced technical knowledge and competency in designing, planning and undertaking ecology desk‑based and field‑based surveys within the UK such as botanical survey and habitat classification and/or protected species surveys across a broad range of habitats and seasons.
Principal Ecologist/Associate Ecologist in Midlothian employer: WSP
Contact Detail:
WSP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist/Associate Ecologist in Midlothian
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the ecology field on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for ecology! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for projects and initiatives that matter to you. We want to see that spark in you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. We recommend going through recent ecological reports or case studies relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these will show you’re serious about making an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist/Associate Ecologist in Midlothian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Ecology: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for ecology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or experiences that sparked your interest in the field. We want to see your genuine commitment to making a difference in nature and the environment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Principal or Associate Ecologist. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex language; instead, focus on communicating your qualifications and experiences in a straightforward manner. We appreciate clarity as it helps us understand your background better!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ecology, especially the specific surveys mentioned in the job description like Phase 1/UKHab habitat surveys and protected species surveys. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves motivating and leading others, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or project. Be ready to share how you supported team development and managed workloads, as this will demonstrate your capability to take on the responsibilities of the position.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction
The job requires client liaison and project management, so be prepared to discuss how you've handled client relationships in the past. Think of specific instances where you negotiated with stakeholders or regulators, as this will highlight your communication skills and ability to manage expectations.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
The company values individuals who are eager to learn and grow. Be open about your professional development goals and how you plan to deepen your technical expertise. This shows that you're not only looking to contribute but also to evolve within the role and support the growth of others.