Senior or Principal - Groundwater EIA - #1693025

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

Due to strong and sustained growth in our Sustainable Water Management business, we are seeking experienced applicants to join our team of 350 water science and engineering professionals. Applicants are invited to further strengthen our senior level technical capability in groundwater and wider water EIA and to lead the delivery of a range of project work, including planning and DCO applications for major infrastructure development.

We have a strong portfolio of major infrastructure projects such as Sizewell C nuclear power station and HyNET North West, and with clients such as National Grid, Scottish Power Energy Networks and Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks delivering significant investment in wind farm and grid refurbishment.

The Sustainable Water Management business operates as a national team and work is shared around the team in a fair and transparent way, ensuring project allocation takes into account personal interests and development aspirations and much as practicable.  As a senior member of the team you would be actively involved in the continued growth, development and resourcing of the team. 

Key locations for our continued growth include Newcastle, Glasgow, Bristol, London and Liverpool, although interest in our other established water teams in Basingstoke, Manchester, Leeds and Wrexham would be considered.

A Little More About Your Role…

We are looking for an experienced professional who has interest and experience in groundwater and wider-water EIA, but also has sufficient familiarity with other groundwater-related disciplines (e.g. hydrogeological conceptualisation, groundwater modelling, water resources assessment and planning, dewatering and groundwater drainage, peat management, and/or groundwater quality) to be able to direct and lead complex projects for a range of clients.

The appointment would be at Principal or Senior grade, depending on experience. We can be flexible on location within the UK and offer flexible and hybrid work arrangement. Applications for part time positions are also welcome.

You will contribute to a diverse range of projects but the main focus of your work is likely to be EIA and WFD assessments and related groundwater investigations for major infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas. Your work will be varied but will include technical, management and commercial responsibilities as appropriate to your current experience. Sharing your technical expertise and mentoring others in the team will also be an important part of your role.

Responsibilities Will Include

• Playing a leading role in project delivery, including managing the interface with clients and internal stakeholders. Senior members of the team are expected to review and check the inputs of others within the business to deliver high quality technical outputs that meet client requirements. More experienced members of the team would also be expected to undertake final review and approval of documents.
• Sustainable Water Management and Earth and Environment teams to develop business opportunities and prepare successful proposals, with Senior grades growing into this role with guidance from others.
• Manage or direct projects effectively, balancing programme, budget and quality requirements, and ensuring that the highest health and safety standards are adhered to. The complexity and scale of projects will be tailored to individual experience, with Senior grades supported by more experienced colleagues.
• Providing technical guidance, training and support to junior colleagues.
• Playing a key role in growing WSP’s technical capability, knowledge and innovation base to develop new services for our clients.
  
  

Skills / Experience

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Experience working in groundwater and wider water EIA, including groundwater site investigation, hydrogeological, water supply and conservation site risk assessments, and WFD assessments, at least some of which should have been in consultancy.
• Demonstrable experience of leading or major contributor to technical inputs and teams for successful project delivery for planning and permitting for major infrastructure projects. This could include preparation of groundwater EIA, WFD and supporting study inputs to planning applications and developing applications for environmental permits. The main focus of the role will be on groundwaters, but experience of delivering assessments for surface waters or peatland is also useful.
• Understanding of the WFD and its application for management of the water environment in the UK.
• Good knowledge of the regulatory context for planning and EIA in the UK. Experience of the Development Consent Order planning regime for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in the UK is preferred for those applying for the Principal or Associate grade positions.
• Practical project management experience, including management of project budgets and project teams as appropriate to your experience, and be comfortable managing challenging projects.
  
  

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant environmental, geographical, science or engineering discipline is essential.
• Chartered status with the London Geological Society and/or CIWEM for Principal positions, and working towards Chartered status for Senior positions.
  
  

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 69,300 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Diversity

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing diversity to create a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Med24 offers you and your family unlimited telephone access to an NHS doctor, available 24/7, with options for face-to-face video consultations. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.