Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Competitive, commensurate with experience

About the Role
Ricardo Energy & Environment, a member of WSP, is a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company with over 100 years of engineering excellence. We employ close to 3,000 people across more than 20 countries, delivering innovative, cross-sector sustainable solutions. Our vision is to create a safe and sustainable world by helping customers solve complex environmental challenges.

We are seeking a Principal Consultant to join our expanding Aquatic Ecology Team within the Water & Environment division. This role offers the opportunity to lead and develop a team of aquatic ecologists while delivering technical expertise across all project stages, including bidding, feasibility, optioneering, field survey programming, detailed design, and assessment.

You will contribute to the production of consents such as Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments, Drought Permits, and Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) assessments as a technical author or reviewer. The role requires strong organisational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients to deliver projects on time and within budget.

You will work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team of water and environmental experts, including specialists in EIA, HRA, water resources, hydro-ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, and natural capital.

Working Here
We foster an inclusive culture where every voice matters. We support flexible working arrangements including remote, office-based, and hybrid options. Wellbeing is central to our culture, enabling employees to flourish and achieve their full potential.

Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days' annual leave plus 8 flexible bank holidays, a competitive pension scheme, life assurance, professional subscriptions reimbursement, and a range of flexible benefits to support your physical and mental health.

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We value diverse perspectives as they drive innovation and improve our consultancy services. We are recognised as a 'disability confident' employer and support all employees to reach their potential.

Experience
- Extensive experience leading and reviewing aquatic ecology assessments and surveys within the UK water industry.
- Proven track record managing multiple projects and proposals concurrently.
- Strong knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation, planning policies, licensing requirements, and best practice survey techniques.
- Experience leading Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments.
- Good understanding of Water Framework Directive assessments, including biological metrics and indices.
- Demonstrable specialist knowledge in fisheries, macroinvertebrate, or macrophyte ecology is preferable.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce accurate technical reports and engage confidently with clients and stakeholders.

About You
- A proactive self-starter with excellent team working and communication skills.
- Highly organised with the ability to multi-task and prioritise workload effectively.
- Strong attention to detail and proven technical reviewing skills.
- Ability to manage and support technical input into proposals.
- Flexible and adaptable to business needs.
- Motivated to lead, support, and develop junior staff within a busy, small team environment.

Qualifications
- A first degree in a relevant environmental discipline, ideally complemented by a postgraduate qualification.