Consultant Aquatic Ecologist

About the Role

WSP’s UK biodiversity team of 300 specialists delivers high‑quality ecological services on complex projects across diverse sectors including low carbon, transport, water renewables, nuclear, and waste. We are looking for an Aquatic Consultant to join our Aquatic Ecology team, which works across freshwater and marine environments globally.

• Conduct field surveys in freshwater or marine environments.
• Support 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 and feasibility through design and assessment.
• Assist in preparation of licence applications, including marine licences and flood‑risk activity permits.
• Mentor and support less experienced team members.

• 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 relating to protected aquatic habitats and species, including the HRA process.
• Ability to support a range of aquatic survey types (fish, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, diatoms, water quality).
• Excellent report‑writing and communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of Ecological Impact Assessment (EIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Water Framework Directive Assessments (WFDA).
• Experience in field survey design and execution.
• Membership of CIEEM or an equivalent body.

We encourage candidates whose experience aligns with some, but not all, of the above to apply. We look for passion, technical excellence, and the desire to work in a collaborative, inclusive environment.

WSP is a global engineering and professional services firm with over 69,000 employees. We create positive impacts through innovation, integrity, and inclusion, serving communities locally and internationally.

• Work‑life balance
  :
  Hybrid working with up to two days a week from home and modern UK offices.
• Inclusivity & belonging
  :
  We welcome diverse backgrounds and encourage authenticity at work.
• Health & wellbeing
  :
  Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex membership discounts, and a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time
  : “WSP My Hour” lets you take one hour each day for personal activities and adjust working time accordingly.
• Development
  :
  Training, mentoring, and chartership opportunities to support career growth.

WSP welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments to support your application.