Senior Soil Science Consultant​/Principal Soil Science Consultant

Overview

Senior Soil Science Consultant / Principal Soil Science Consultant s role supports the growth of the soil team within the Ground & Water service line of the Earth & Environment business, working with colleagues in Ground & Water, Nature Advisory, Landscape, Environmental Planning, and Sustainability Policy & Compliance.

• Lead and support fieldwork/site visits and produce written reports for Agricultural Land Classification (ALC), Soil Resource Assessment, and tailored assessments for inclusion in Environmental Statements.
• Manage data to support technical reporting, provide advice and support to colleagues, liaise with clients, landowners, contractors, statutory authorities and third parties.
• Lead and manage projects (with appropriate supervision) including tasks relating to bidding, project team management, project delivery, and financial management.
• Prepare a range of soil and agricultural assessments in support of DCOs, EIAs, and construction projects; coordinate survey work.
• Support colleagues across the UK with project delivery, assist in preparing fee proposals, business development and work-winning duties.
• Train junior staff and share knowledge across environmental disciplines; ensure quality assurance on surveys.

You will join a small soil team within WSP's Ground & Water and will have the opportunity to work with colleagues across related disciplines. The role is largely office-based with periods on-site for training and project delivery. Location is flexible with a hybrid working model (home, plus travel to an office for meetings and project work).

• Degree level qualification in Soil Science or similar (physical geology, environmental science) with 5-10 years of relevant practical experience.
• Experience in completing Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) surveys, Soil Resource Surveys, Soil Classification and site supervision during construction works to BSSS competency standards.
• Strong grounding in Health & Safety procedures (including CDM) for site work; working knowledge of EIA methodology is desirable but not essential.
• Experience liaising with internal and external clients, contractors, planning authorities and stakeholders; excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Registered with a relevant professional body (e.g., British Society of Soil Science) and ideally chartered; current UK environmental legislation knowledge related to agricultural land and construction.
• Working knowledge of applied GIS; full driving licence; enjoy working outdoors and in a team with ownership of project delivery.

• Work-life balance with hybrid working policy; flexibility to work from home two days a week and collaborate in offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity and belonging; a culture of respect and belonging with employee resource groups.
• Health & wellbeing initiatives, Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex, menopause support.
• Flexible time options including WSP My Hour, part-time/flexible arrangements, ability to purchase additional leave, and flexible use of bank holidays.
• Development opportunities including training, mentoring, and Chartership support.

EEO Statement
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We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet essential criteria and can provide workplace adjustments on request.