Senior Soil Science Consultant / Principal Soil Science Consultant
Overview: WSP is seeking an experienced Principal Soil Scientist to support the growth of our soil team within the Ground & Water service line of the Earth & Environment business. The role is largely office-based with periods on-site for training junior staff and QA on surveys. Location is flexible; hybrid working with travel to offices for team and client meetings/projects.
Your work will involve managing projects across infrastructure and development sectors (energy transition, nuclear, rail, highways, and residential/commercial development). You will lead and support fieldwork, produce written reports for Agricultural Land Classification (ALC), Soil Resource Assessment, and tailored assessments for Environmental Statements, and collaborate with Nature Advisory and Landscape teams. You will manage data to support technical reporting, provide advice to colleagues, and liaise with clients, landowners, contractors, statutory authorities and third parties. The post is within the Ground & Water team in WSP's Earth & Environment business.
A Typical Week Would Include
* Preparation of soil and agricultural assessments in support of DCOs, EIAs, and construction projects; managing and coordinating survey work.
* Supporting colleagues across the UK with project delivery, assisting in the preparation of fee proposals, business development and work-winning duties.
* Training junior staff and sharing knowledge with other environmental disciplines.
We’d love to hear from you if you have
* 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.
* A strong grounding in H&S procedures (including CDM) for site work.
* Working knowledge of EIA methodology; preparation of Environmental Statements 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.
* Knowledge of UK environmental legislation, implications of construction projects on agricultural land, and understanding of UK agricultural practice and business issues.
* Team-oriented with ownership of project delivery; working knowledge of applied GIS; full driving license; enjoy outdoor work.
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can explore how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.
What we offer
We are committed to work-life balance with a hybrid policy (work from home two days a week) and opportunities to collaborate in our offices across the UK. We support inclusivity and belonging, health & wellbeing through Thrive, Virtual GP, menopause support, gym membership discounts, and flexible benefits. We offer flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use bank holiday entitlement as you prefer. Development and Chartership support are available; we invest in your growth through training and mentoring.
Note: This description reflects the information provided and is intended for refinement. No changes to factual details of the job have been made beyond formatting.
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