Freshwater Technical Lead

Freshwater Technical Lead

We are looking to appoint an experienced freshwater ecologist to join our Aquatic Ecology team. The postholder will have experience with freshwater fish ecology, licensing and consenting processes for development projects, and a proven track record of preparing and managing aquatic ecology impact assessments for Environmental Statements and supporting other consent applications.

• Guiding and overseeing the design of the aquatic ecology baseline survey programmes to support Environmental Impact Assessments and other regulatory documents;
• Authoring Environmental Impact Assessment chapters and other written outputs which contribute to planning submissions for development schemes in the UK and internationally;
• Line managing staff in the aquatic team including monitoring and planning workload and supporting their professional development;
• Preparing tender outputs for medium and large-scale freshwater ecology projects including fee estimates;
• Actively contributing to the management of the aquatic team in areas such as health and safety, technical training and project resourcing;
• Building and maintaining a strong internal and external profile as a technical expert, for example, through our Practice Area Networks and externally;

• Extensive, relevant experience gained within a professional consultancy, regulatory or industrial role.
• Advanced technical knowledge and competency in freshwater ecology, including protected species.
• The ability to produce high quality, technically and scientifically robust reports and other deliverables including Water Framework Directive Assessments and Environmental Statements.
• A comprehensive knowledge of relevant ecology and water legislation, and its application in relation to the planning process.
• Experience in managing staff, including supporting with workload management and technical development.
• Previous experience of managing projects and preparing tender outputs including budget estimates.
• An enthusiastic, confident and positive approach with excellent communication and people management skills.

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.