Location
Edinburgh

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
We are currently looking for a Principal Ecologist to join our growing Nature Services team. You’ll work alongside a supportive network of technical specialists on a rich variety of projects across Scotland and Ireland. This role requires an enthusiastic and adaptable individual who is eager to learn, grow with the team, and support the development of others.

Our portfolio of ecology projects is extensive and rapidly evolving. WSP is helping to lead this change by working with clients, government, planners, and consultees to shape better outcomes for nature, society, and the environment. Joining our team means you’ll be at the forefront of delivery while receiving full support to grow your expertise, build confidence, and develop into a highly skilled ecological practitioner.

As a Principal Ecologist, you will embrace our Health, Safety and Wellbeing culture, providing a safe working environment. You will provide motivational leadership and line management for team members at various grades, overseeing workload planning and forecasting, and guiding professional development. You will support team leads with project resourcing and contribute proactively to team management including health and safety, technical training, recruitment, and chairing meetings.

Your responsibilities will include planning and undertaking ecology surveys such as Phase 1/UKHab habitat surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bat, amphibians, reptiles, etc). You will prepare and review tenders and a range of ecological deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Protected Species Reports, Habitats Regulations Appraisals, technical reports, and mitigation licence applications.

You will undertake client liaison and project management, conduct consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders, and mentor junior team members to nurture a supportive and productive working environment. You will build and maintain a visible internal and external profile as a technical expert and collaborative leader, participate in team meetings and national initiatives, deepen your technical expertise, and pursue professional development supported by colleagues and formal training.

You will collaborate closely with colleagues across Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast on a wide range of projects including nationally significant infrastructure projects, renewable energy developments, utility refurbishment programmes, and smaller flood defence, active travel, and green spaces projects. You will also work alongside experts in Biodiversity Net Gain, natural capital, ornithology, freshwater and marine ecology, arboriculture, landscape architecture, hydrology, engineering, and geotechnical specialisms.

Imagine a better future for you and for the communities you care about. Work on landmark projects and embrace opportunities to make a lasting impact. With us, you can do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself.

Experience
Proven relevant experience motivating and leading others, supporting team development, and managing project workloads. Advanced technical knowledge and competency in designing, planning, and undertaking UK ecology desk-based and field surveys, including botanical survey, habitat classification, and protected species surveys across diverse habitats and seasons. Experience producing and reviewing high-quality, scientifically robust ecological reports and deliverables such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Protected Species Reports, Habitats Regulations Appraisals, and Environmental Statement chapters. Experience gained within professional consultancy, regulatory, and/or industrial roles with strong communication and organisational skills. Project and budget management experience, proposal preparation, and client engagement with effective time management across multiple projects is advantageous. Advanced knowledge of relevant ecology policy and guidance, particularly within Scotland, with excellent attention to detail in ecological data analysis and interpretation is an advantage. Holding or having held protected species survey and/or mitigation licences or a technical specialism is desirable.

About you
An enthusiastic and adaptable individual with a desire to develop core ecological and consultancy skills. You are motivated to learn and grow within a supportive team of ecologists and environmental professionals. You demonstrate leadership qualities and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues and clients.

Qualifications
A relevant academic qualification in ecology or a related subject. Full membership of CIEEM (ideally working towards full chartership) or eligibility to apply.