WSP is one of the world's leading engineering professional services consulting firms. We are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower. We are technical experts and strategic advisors including engineers, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals.

We design lasting solutions in the Property & Buildings, Transportation & Infrastructure, Environment, Industry, Resources (including Mining and Oil & Gas) and Power & Energy sectors as well as project delivery and strategic consulting services. With 9000 talented people in 70+ offices across the UK and Ireland, we engineer projects that will help societies grow for lifetimes to come.

Our Reading Ecology team works on a diverse range of projects, from medium sized residential development schemes, utility refurbishment projects and large DCO development projects, collaborating with our other South-East teams on a regular basis

job summary

WSP has a large, highly experienced, and friendly Ecology team who get involved with a diverse range of interesting projects across a number of sectors within the UK for both private and public sector clients. In addition to working on UK projects, there are also opportunities to work internationally if desired. The team pride themselves on the integrated support offered by working alongside our in-house water, landscape, arboriculture and sustainability specialists to deliver commercially balanced, innovative and integrated solutions.

We are looking to appoint a Senior Consultant Ecologist into our Reading office to support the growing workload in the south-west of England. The role will involve:

• Planning and undertaking ecology surveys including UKHabs surveys, BNG assessments and protected species surveys.

• Provide technical advice to clients on a range of development projects.

• Input into a range of ecological deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, BNG assessments, Ecological Management Plans, protected species reports European Protected Species licence applications, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Biodiversity chapters of EIAs and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).

• Client liaison and project management

• Supporting with the mentoring and training of the local ecology team.

WSP offer fantastic training opportunities both internally and externally allowing you to develop your career as a professional ecologist in a supportive environment. Ecologists at WSP benefit from competitive salaries and pension contributions, 25 days annual leave, a flexible working policy and a range of other corporate benefits and discounts.

Requirements

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• An appropriate academic qualification in a related discipline and are member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (mentoring is available for upgrade to Full Membership)

• Demonstrable experience in undertaking UKHabs, BNG assessments and protected species surveys

• Experience authoring protected species reports, Ecological Impact Assessments and Biodiversity Chapters for inclusion within Environmental Statements

• Experience of writing European Protected Species licences is desirable

• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.

• The ability to work in a team of ecologists and environmental professionals

• Knowledge of relevant wildlife legislation and ecological survey methodologies

• A desire to develop your core ecological and consultancy skills

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We are WSP - Join us and make your career future ready!

In today’s world it’s important to work for a company that has clear purpose, giving back to communities and supporting what is truly important in the world.

When considering a career move its vital to work for a business that is aligned to your values and goals, a place where you can belong.

To find out more about our business click on the following link and discover what awaits you at WSP: Who We Are | WSP (https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/who-we-are)

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

Work-life balance?

WSP recognises that work is only one part of your life and making time for other things is important – whether that’s for your families, friends, or yourself.

Our hybrid working policy allows the flexibility to work from the comfort of your own home as well as collaborating in our contemporary offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Diversity?

We want our people to achieve rewarding careers, bringing their whole selves to work. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing diversity to create a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.

Our employee resource groups VIBE (LGBTQ+ employees), CREED (Championing Racial Equality and Ethnic Diversity) and our Gender Balance Group, in tandem with WSP’s Neurodiverse Community Group, WSP Connect Group (visible and non-visible disabilities) help us promote the right environment for you to reach your full potential.

Health & Wellbeing?

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Med24 gives you and your family unrestricted telephone access to an NHS doctor where you can call day or night or have a face-to-face video consultation.

Flex your time?

For improved work life balance, WSP offers the “WSP Hour” which enables you to take one hour per day to do as you wish and make up the time earlier or later that day. We also offer part time and flexible working arrangements plus the option to flex your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development?

We appreciate that development and training is important to you and that’s why we have a supportive environment that invests in your development, whether that’s chartership, training or mentoring.

APPLY NOW AND BE THE FUTURE OF WSP!

#WeAreWSP

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.

Please note WSP reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date.