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 and sustainable solutions to complex environmental challenges. Our vision is to create a safe and sustainable world.

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, supporting the delivery of high-profile water and wastewater projects across the UK. You will provide technical leadership and project management expertise across all project stages including bidding, feasibility, optioneering, field survey programming, detailed design, and assessment.

You will contribute to 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 within a multidisciplinary team of experts including specialists in EIA, HRA, water resources, hydro-ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, and natural capital, supporting the continued growth of our Water & Environment Team.

Experience
- Extensive experience leading and reviewing aquatic ecology assessments and surveys within the UK water industry.
- Proven track record in 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, particularly 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.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise workload effectively.

About you
- A proactive self-starter and motivated thinker who thrives in a busy, small team environment.
- Excellent team working and communication skills.
- Attention to detail and a sound understanding of ecological impact assessment.
- Proven ability to manage and support technical input into proposals.
- Flexible and adaptable to business needs.
- Committed to upholding client and stakeholder relationships through excellent organisational and presentation skills.

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