Principal Consultant - Ecology

We are seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to play a key role in delivering high-quality ecological consultancy services to UK projects. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across a wide range of sectors including transport, energy, water, development, and major infrastructure projects.

The role involves leading ecological assessments, managing complex projects, mentoring ecologists, supporting business development activities, and working closely with UK-based teams to ensure delivery excellence. The Principal Ecologist will act as a trusted technical advisor, ensuring that ecological deliverables meet relevant UK legislation, policy requirements, and company quality standards. This role also supports the growth and development of GCC Ecology capability through technical innovation, knowledge sharing, and staff development. 

Technical Leadership

• Oversee delivery of ecological projects across a broad range of sectors.
• Provide technical review and sign-off of ecological reports and assessments.
• Deliver and review: 
  • Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
  • Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
  • Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA)
  • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
  • Protected species assessments and mitigation strategies
  • Habitat Management Plans
  • Arboricultural and ecological constraints assessments
  • Natural Capital assessments
• Provide expert advice on UK ecological legislation, planning policy, and biodiversity requirements.
• Ensure consistency, quality, and compliance of ecological deliverables.

Project Management

• Develop project scopes, budgets, work plans, and resource forecasts.
• Monitor project performance against programme, budget, quality, and risk objectives.
• Identify and manage technical, commercial, and delivery risks.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project interfaces with environmental, planning, engineering, GIS, and other technical teams.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with UK project teams and clients.
• Participate in client meetings and contribute specialist ecological advice.
• Support successful project delivery through proactive communication and collaboration.

Business Development

• Support preparation of bids, tenders, and technical proposals.
• Identify opportunities for growth of ecological services.
• Contribute to capability statements, case studies, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Support development of new service offerings aligned with market trends and client needs.

Team Development & Mentoring

• Mentor and coach ecologists and assistant ecologists.
• Provide technical guidance and support career development of team members.
• Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, and technical training initiatives.
• Promote sharing of best practice and lessons learned across the ecology team.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Demonstrate leadership in Health, Safety, Wellbeing, and Environmental culture.
• Ensure compliance with company quality assurance procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of best practices.

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, Zoology, Conservation Biology, or related discipline.
• Master's degree in a relevant subject desirable.

Experience

• Significant experience working within ecological consultancy, preferably supporting UK projects.
• Proven track record in leading ecological assessments and managing complex projects.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary infrastructure and development projects.
• Strong understanding of: 
  • Biodiversity Net Gain
  • Protected species legislation
  • UKHab classification
  • Habitat Regulations
  • Environmental Impact Assessment processes
  • UK planning framework
• Experience managing project teams and mentoring junior staff.

Professional Membership

• Full member of CIEEM/Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) or progressing towards chartership desirable.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical ecology expertise.
• Excellent report writing and technical review skills.
• Project and commercial management capability.
• Leadership and mentoring skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and international teams.
• High standards of professional integrity and quality.

Desirable Skills

• Expertise in Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Experience with GIS software (ArcGIS / QGIS).
• Knowledge of natural capital and ecosystem services assessments.
• Experience managing large framework commissions.
• Experience supporting digital innovation within ecological services.
• Project management qualifications or training.

Success Measures

The Principal Ecologist will be successful when they:

• Deliver technically excellent ecological outputs.
• Maintain strong client and UK stakeholder relationships.
• Consistently achieve project delivery, utilisation, and quality objectives.
• Support growth of GCC Ecology capability and technical excellence.
• Develop and mentor future ecological leaders.

BGV:

• Employment with WSP India is subject to the successful completion of a background verification (“BGV”) check conducted by a third-party agency appointed by WSP India.

• Candidates are advised to ensure that all information provided during the recruitment process — including documents uploaded — is accurate and complete, both to WSP India and its BGV partner”.