Job Description
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
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. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
A Little More About Your Role…
WSP has one of the largest biodiversity, EIA and planning practices. Our UK biodiversity team comprises 300 diverse and passionate specialists who take pride in delivering a wide range of high-quality ecological services on complex projects across a diverse range of sectors. Our UK and international markets are diverse and include low carbon and hydrogen, transport, water renewables, nuclear, power, waste, minerals and property.
We have a fantastic opportunity for an Aquatic or Senior Consultant to join our Freshwater Ecology team. The role represents an exciting opportunity to deliver freshwater ecology inputs into our expansive range of aquatic projects, and to be part of the successful growth agenda, by working as a team to secure new interesting and challenging projects. We pride ourselves in operating at the leading edge of professional practice, with a reputation for innovation and technical excellence.
Open to applications nationwide, we are looking for an ambitious, driven and experienced freshwater ecology practitioner who is focused on finding solutions and passionate about delivering technical excellence.
We are seeking a candidate with experience in macroinvertebrate taxonomic analysis who can lead on our laboratory analysis service. The successful applicant will enjoy the benefits of working within a caring 'people first' team which champions WSP's commitments to diversity, inclusion and equality. Therefore, we are also open to flexible working and reduced working hours for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities Of The Role
* Processing macroinvertebrate samples collected by our survey team to species/mixed taxon level (TL5)
* Conducting macroinvertebrate surveys using standard methods across freshwater environments.
* Supporting the technical authoring of freshwater baseline reports for input to Preliminary Ecological Assessments (PEA), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA); Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA); and Water Framework Directive Assessments (WFDA).
* Providing aquatic inputs across all project lifecycles from bidding/ feasibility/optioneering, field survey planning / management / completion, detailed design and assessment.
* Providing mentoring and support to less experienced members of the team.
What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…
The role requires excellent reporting and communications skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team, seeking technical input from other disciplines to deliver carefully considered solutions and to produce high quality work. The required skills and qualifications include:
* Professional experience (at least 2 years).
* Degree (BSc or MSc) in a relevant discipline.
* Invertebrate Identification for Biotic Assessment Accreditation from the Freshwater Biological Association. .
* Competent in laboratory processes for macroinvertebrate taxonomy including the safe use of chemicals including standard preservatives such as industrial methylated spirits.
* Ability to lead macroinvertebrate surveys.
* Experience in field survey design and conducting ecological surveys in freshwater environments.
* Membership of, or working towards, CIEEM or equivalent body.
* Full UK driving licence.
Don't quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
With us, you can. Apply today.
About Us
We are one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Work-life balance
At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It's important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.
Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
Inclusivity & Belonging
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.
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.
Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
Flex your time
To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the "WSP My Hour," allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.
We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
Your development
We understand the importance of development and training to you. That's why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.
#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.