Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
We are seeking an Associate Director or Technical Director in Freshwater Ecology to join our expanding Aquatic Ecology team. This is an outstanding opportunity for an established technical specialist who thrives on leading complex programmes, advising clients and regulators, and raising the bar for best practice across the industry. You will act as a trusted authority on freshwater ecology, providing expertise across major UK and international infrastructure schemes, including DCO/NSIP projects, regulated water company frameworks, and long-term capital programmes.

In this influential role, you will lead and guide the design of freshwater and aquatic ecology baseline survey programmes for EIAs and regulatory submissions. You will author high-quality technical reports, including EIA chapters, Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments, and planning deliverables for both UK and international clients. You will line manage and mentor talented aquatic ecologists, supporting their growth, wellbeing, and workloads.

Additional responsibilities include preparing competitive tenders and fee estimates for medium and large-scale freshwater ecology projects, supporting the management of the wider aquatic team—including health & safety, training, resource planning, and technical excellence—and building and maintaining a strong profile as a recognised technical expert. You will contribute to WSP’s Practice Area Networks and represent the business externally.

Our Aquatic Ecology team works across freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments on a diverse range of projects such as river restoration and catchment enhancement schemes, design of ecological monitoring programmes, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, EIA and Water Framework Directive assessments, salmonid habitat restoration and NEP projects for water companies, routine biological monitoring, and international development and R&D projects. You will collaborate closely with in-house experts in fluvial geomorphology, BNG, hydrology, and environmental planning, providing opportunities to influence multi-disciplinary solutions and shape future industry standards.

At WSP, you will be part of a culture that values curiosity, innovation, and the drive to make a difference. You will have the freedom to define the direction of your specialist area, the support of a global ecology and environmental network, a variety of UK and international projects to grow your portfolio, and real opportunities for career development, leadership, and technical influence. This is your chance to lead, inspire, and help create healthier freshwater ecosystems for generations to come.

Experience
Extensive professional experience in consultancy, regulatory bodies, or industry settings. Advanced technical expertise in freshwater ecology, including protected species and habitat assessment. Proven ability to deliver technically robust, scientifically rigorous reports for WFD assessments, EIAs, and Environmental Statements. Strong understanding of UK water and ecology legislation and its application within the planning process. Demonstrated experience managing and developing teams. Proven project management skills, including tender preparation and budgeting.

About you
A positive, collaborative, and engaging leadership style with excellent communication skills. Ability to lead complex programmes and advise clients and regulators effectively. Motivated to raise industry standards and contribute to technical excellence.

Qualifications
Relevant academic and professional qualifications in ecology or related environmental sciences are expected, alongside significant technical and leadership experience in freshwater ecology.