Consultant Aquatic Ecologist

Consultant Aquatic Ecologist – WSP, UK & Ireland

WSP offers an opportunity to work on complex, high‑profile ecological projects across a variety of sectors including low‑carbon, transport, water renewables, nuclear, power and more.

• 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, and Marine Conservation Zone/Marine Protected Area Assessments.
• Provide aquatic inputs across all project life cycles from bidding/feasibility to 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.

• At least 2 years of professional experience.
• BSc or MSc in freshwater or marine biology.
• Knowledge of UK and European protected aquatic habitats legislation, including HRA.
• Ability to support a range of aquatic survey types.
• Excellent report‑writing and communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of EIA, HRA and WFDA.
• Experience in field survey design and execution in freshwater and/or marine environments.
• Membership of CIEEM or equivalent body.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Our inclusive culture welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. We provide flexible working and reduced hours where appropriate.

At WSP, we are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion. We are a Disability Confident employer and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

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.