Associate Director - Watercourse BNG & WFD in Newcastle Emlyn

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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 include:

• 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.