Senior​/Principal Consultant - Surface Water Quality

Senior/Principal Consultant – Surface Water Quality

We need people to join our rapidly expanding team of Water Quality and Catchment Management specialists so that we can continue to deliver sustainable solutions to the water sector and environmental regulators in the UK and help protect the water environment.

Background and Knowledge

• Earth Sciences background with working knowledge of water quality and geochemistry / environmental chemistry.
• Awareness of UK regulatory tools such as the WFD and other related regulations.
• Working knowledge of water quality modelling tools (SAGIS, SIMCAT, Info Works, ICM etc.).
• Experience of WFD/EIA scoping, reviews and assessments for water/hydrology chapters.
• Experience of water environment data collation (field and/or desk based), quality checking and assurance and interpretation.
• Experience of water quality permitting and completion or review of H1 and RQP assessments.
• Understanding of conceptualising a water quality problem and knowledge of available datasets for problem solving.

Prior work experience, either postdoctoral, consultancy, regulator or industry would be desirable.

Interests in problem solving through interrogation of time series and spatial datasets, good conceptualisation skills, and communication of ideas through writing or visualisations are essential. Experience in field sampling network design, risk assessment, data collation, interpretation, and catchment management would be beneficial.

The Role Will Include The Following

• Water quality data analysis, conceptualisation and visualisation, and clear communication.
• Desk‑based investigations and interpretation of datasets.
• Designing field monitoring campaigns, including traditional and non‑traditional approaches.
• Delivery of technical reports and presentations to clients.
• Winning new work and writing proposals for new projects.
• Project and task management.
• Being a key member of our water quality team in Sustainable Water Management.

Will be mainly UK based but will work collaboratively with teams across WSP’s global business.

YOUR TEAM

Our Sustainable Water Management team covers services including water quality and catchment management, water resources and security, hydrology and hydraulics, geomorphology, hydroecology, and hydrogeology. We provide technical services to high‑profile customers in the UK and overseas, including government departments, the water industry, and industrial sectors.

We Offer a Dynamic, But Supportive Environment

• Access to extensive internal and external training opportunities.
• Support for volunteering.
• A mentoring programme.
• Support for gaining chartership through professional institutions.

This position is UK flexible, with main offices in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Cardiff, Manchester, Shrewsbury, London, Bristol or Glasgow. Hybrid office‑home working is available.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU HAVE

• Degree‑level qualifications in geography, geology, geochemistry, earth/environmental science, civil engineering or similar.
• Higher degree in relevant discipline desirable but not essential.
• Excellent analytical skills applied to problem solving.
• Experience in MS Office and GIS packages (ArcGIS or QGIS).
• Team collaboration and independent work ability.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and visualisation.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by a common purpose to create positive, long‑lasting impacts through innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and powered by international expertise.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? Work‑life balance

Hybrid working policy allows work from home two days a week, with office collaboration across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and encourage authenticity in the…