Associate Director​/Technical Director Soil Science

Job Description

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives.

To find out more about our Ground & Water team part of the Earth and Environment business click on the following link and discover what awaits you at WSP:
Ground risk and remediation | WSP

Our work involves infrastructure and development projects in most sectors, in particular energy transition, nuclear, rail, highways, and residential/commercial development. You will be working on delivering a broad range of projects at various stages with the responsibility for managing projects (with appropriate supervision) including tasks relating to bidding, project team management, project delivery, and financial management.

Soils are an important finite resource which underpin the majority of environmental services but are poorly understood. WSP is looking for an experienced Principal Soil Scientist to support the growth of our soil team, particularly working with colleagues in Ground & Water, Nature Advisory, Landscape, Environmental Planning, and Sustainability Policy & Compliance. You will join a small soil team to help expand our capabilities and help embed the understanding of soils across the business.

The role will be largely office based however it is anticipated that there will be periods on‑site training junior staff and providing quality assurance on surveys. WSP has offices throughout the country; our priority is to find the right person for this challenging role and therefore the location is flexible. The role offers a flexible mix of working from home, with travel into a WSP office for team and client meetings/project work.

You will be someone who is an excellent relationship builder, highly organised, and adaptable with an awareness of commercial demands of consultancy work.

• Degree level qualification in Soil Science, or similar (physical geology, environmental science) with 5-10 years 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;
• A thorough grounding in H&S procedures (including CDM) for site work;
• A working knowledge of EIA methodology, for the preparation of Environmental Statements is desired but not essential;
• Experience of liaising with internal and external clients, contractors, planning authorities and stakeholders;
• Be able to demonstrate excellent communication and report writing skills;
• Registered with a relevant professional body (e.g. British Society Soil Science) and ideally chartered;
• A current working knowledge of UK environmental legislation, the implications of construction projects on agricultural land and an understanding of UK agricultural practice and business issues;
• Enjoy working as part of a team and taking ownership of project delivery;
• A working knowledge of applied GIS; and
• A full driving licence and enjoy working outdoors.

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.