Join to apply for the Consultant Aquatic Ecologist role at WSP in the UK & Ireland.

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

WSP has one of the largest biodiversity, EIA and planning practices. Our UK biodiversity team comprises 300 diverse and passionate specialists who take pride in delivering high‑quality ecological services on complex projects across a range of sectors: low‑carbon, hydrogen, transport, water renewables, nuclear, power, waste, minerals and property.

We have a fantastic opportunity for an Aquatic Consultant to join our Aquatic Ecology team. The role is ideally suited to a freshwater ecologist, however as our team covers both freshwater and marine ecology, experience in marine ecology will be advantageous.

Open to applications nationwide, we are looking for an ambitious, driven and experienced aquatic ecology practitioner who is focused on finding solutions and passionate about delivering technical excellence. The successful applicant will lead at least one survey type (ideally fish surveys but not restricted to this) and support a range of freshwater surveys (fish, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, diatoms, water quality). There will also be opportunities to work on innovative overseas projects alongside international colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field surveys across freshwater and/or marine environments.
• Support the technical authoring of aquatic ecological assessments: Scoping reports; Preliminary Ecological Assessments (PEA); Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA); Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA); Water Framework Directive Assessments (WFDA); Marine Strategy Framework Directive Assessments; Marine Conservation Zone / Marine Protected Area Assessments.
• Provide aquatic inputs across all project lifecycles – bidding, feasibility, field survey planning/management/completion, detailed design and assessment.
• Support preparation of licence applications including marine licences and flood risk activity permits.
• Provide mentoring and support to less experienced team members.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Professional experience of at least 2 years.
• Relevant degree (BSc or MSc) in an aquatic discipline (freshwater or marine biology).
• Knowledge of UK and European legislation on protected aquatic habitats and species, including the HRA process.
• Ability to support a range of aquatic survey types.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Basic knowledge of EIA, HRA and WFDA.
• Experience in field survey design and conducting ecological surveys in freshwater and/or marine environments.
• Membership of CIEEM or equivalent body.

Benefits & Working Conditions

Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy with the flexibility to work from home two days a week; opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & belonging: we welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and encourage people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work.

Health & wellbeing: support through the Thrive programme, virtual GP service, workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, menopause support package.

Flexible working arrangements, part‑time options, ability to purchase additional leave, and use of bank holiday entitlement.

Development and training opportunities, mentoring, chartership support.

EEO Statement

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.