Consultant​/Senior Ecologist

We are currently looking for a Consultant Ecologist/Senior Ecologist to join our growing Nature Services team. You’ll work alongside a supportive network of technical specialists on a rich variety of projects across Scotland and Ireland. We need an enthusiastic and adaptable individual to enable project delivery with a willingness to learn and grow with our team and support the growth of others.

Why This Role Matters Our portfolio of ecology projects in Scotland and beyond is extensive and rapidly evolving, and WSP is helping to lead this change working with clients, government, planners and consultees to shape better outcomes for nature, society, and the environment.  Joining our team means you’ll be at the forefront of delivery while receiving full support to grow your expertise, build your confidence, and develop into a highly skilled ecological practitioner.

We welcome applications from individuals who may not tick every box just yet but are eager to learn, develop and make a difference.

What You’ll Be Doing As a Consultant Ecologist, you will:

Plan and undertake ecology surveys including Phase 1/ UKHab habitat surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bat, amphibians and reptiles, etc).  Prepare a range of ecological deliverables including Protected Species Reports and Preliminary Ecological Appraisals.  Participate in weekly and monthly Nature Services team meetings and national initiatives.  Deepen your technical expertise and pursue professional development supported by colleagues and through formal training.

Harness your potential to develop specific skillsets and share technical knowledge and opportunities for learning and innovations with colleagues.

As a Senior Ecologist, you will also:

Prepare tenders and a range of ecological deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Appraisals, technical reports and mitigation licence applications.  Undertake client liaison and project management.

Conduct consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.

Mentor junior team members whilst helping to nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.  What We’re Looking ForA relevant academic qualification in ecology or a related subject.

Full membership of CIEEM or eligible to apply.  Technical knowledge and competency in planning and undertaking ecology desk-based and field surveys within the UK such as botanical survey and habitat classification and/or protected species surveys across a broad range of habitats and seasons, and use of H&S practices including site risk assessments.

Ability to produce high quality, technically and scientifically robust ecological reports and other project deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals,
* Ecological Impact Assessments, Protected Species Reports, and
* Habitats Regulations Appraisals.

Proven relevant experience gained within a professional consultancy, regulatory and/or industrial role(s) with strong communication and organisation skills.

Technical knowledge and competency of relevant ecology policy and guidance (particularly within Scotland) and use of GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS) would be an advantage.  A technical specialism or species survey licence would be an advantage.  Proven relevant experience in undertaking, or a desire for moving towards, quality assurance of technical deliverables would be an advantage  A desire to develop your core ecological and consultancy skills, be supported by a team of ecologists and other environmental professionals.  

Who You’ll Work With You will collaborate closely with colleagues across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast and contribute to a wide range of projects, including:

Nationally significant infrastructure projects

Renewable energy developments

Utility refurbishment programmes  Smaller flood defence, active travel and green spaces projects

You’ll also work alongside experts in Biodiversity Net Gain, natural capital, ornithology, freshwater and marine ecology, arboriculture, landscape architecture, hydrology, engineering and geotechnical specialisms.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for…