Senior BNG Specialist

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Job Description

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.

As a Senior Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Specialist, you will join our growing Nature Services and BNG Team in Edinburgh or Glasgow and work on some engaging projects within a supportive and varied team of technical experts. As BNG develops within Scotland we are looking for an enthusiastic and adaptable team player with a willingness to learn and grow with our team as our government, local planning authorities and clients develop their guidance and policies.

BNG is rapidly evolving in Scotland, and in partnership with our clients and consultees we’re at the forefront of change in practice and understanding of the complex issues that play a part in ensuring positive outcomes for biodiversity. We will fully support your development to ensure you can become a skilled BNG practitioner, calling upon a range of experienced team members.

We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive team. We invite you to benefit from our wide range of flexible working arrangements to find a working pattern that suits you so that you are at your best.

• Planning and undertaking a wide range of terrestrial ecology surveys including UK Habitat, Habitat Condition Assessment (HCA), National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bat, red squirrel, etc.).
• Conducting BNG Assessments using a range of Defra and customised client Toolkits and guidance.
• Consultation with clients and project design teams and liaison with our GIS specialists.
• Preparation of a range of ecological deliverables, including Baseline Reports, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Appropriate Assessments.
• Task management and (if desired) the opportunity to support tendering and project management.
• Mentoring and supporting both junior staff and peers.
• Attending weekly and monthly Ecology team meetings and BNG resourcing meetings.
• Availing of a generous training and career development budget to complete training (in‑house and external), progress within a relevant professional institute and further your own personal development.

• An appropriate academic qualification in Ecology or a related discipline.
• Full membership of CIEEM (ideally working towards Chartership).
• Proven, relevant experience gained within a professional ecological consultancy or regulatory role.
• An enthusiastic, confident and positive approach with excellent communication and people management skills.
• Technical knowledge and competency across a range of Scottish habitats and habitat surveys including UKHab. Experience of Phase 1, NVC and HCA would be an advantage.
• An appreciation of design development processes and assessments required for planning applications and design development including EIA and PEA.
• The ability to produce high quality, technically and scientifically robust reports and other deliverables including BNG and habitat assessments.
• Knowledge of relevant ecology policy and guidance. Knowledge of local and national planning guidance and policy including NPF
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• Knowledge of BNG principles and guidance. Technical knowledge and experience using the Defra Metric and SSE Toolkits and guidance would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of the data analysis and basic knowledge of digital programmes routinely used for field survey e.g. Coreo, Fieldmaps, Survey
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• Technical knowledge and competency in the use of GIS (Arc Map or QGIS).

Don’t quite meet the criteria, Apply and see how your experience aligns with the role or other roles within our team.

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