Principal Ecologist

Overview

The Ecology team at WSP is a large, friendly, and diverse group that works collaboratively with experts across the UK, providing extensive project experience and knowledge. Training and mentoring opportunities support career growth and enable you to develop core ecological, project‑management, and consultancy skills while influencing the wider ecology industry.

• Embrace WSP’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing culture, creating a safe workplace for all.
• Work closely with your team, the Regional Director, and the Team Leader to manage workload and oversee technical quality.
• Generate opportunities, prepare tenders, and oversee the delivery and management of a range of ecological deliverables (technical, commercial and financial) in support of clients’ projects.
• Provide site‑ and office‑based support to develop and mentor junior team members.
• Nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.

• Experience across a range of UK habitats and protected species and hold (or have held) survey and/or mitigation licences.
• A proven record of supporting clients through devising and delivering survey programmes, developing pragmatic, cost‑effective mitigation, gaining regulator agreement, and supervising implementation on‑site.
• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessment and writing Environmental Statement chapters.
• Experience of Habitats Regulations Assessment.
• A proven record of winning work from commercial clients, especially in residential, mixed use and industrial sectors.
• A passion for leading and supporting ecologists of all grades to develop and progress in their careers at WSP.

• Hybrid working policy – work from home up to two days a week.
• Well‑being programme including a Virtual GP service, Gymflex scheme, menopause support package, and the Thrive programme.
• Flex‑time options such as “WSP My Hour”, part‑time and flexible arrangements, and additional leave purchasing.
• Professional development and training, mentoring, and chartership opportunities.

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.