Ecologists with BNG assessment experience and a passion for influencing development projects will find this collaborative, multidisciplinary role in London offers impactful work across infrastructure and residential sectors.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from WSP
Are you passionate about delivering measurable biodiversity gains and creating positive environmental outcomes through development? Do you enjoy combining ecological expertise with practical problem-solving to influence major infrastructure, property, energy, transport and water projects?
We're looking for a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Specialist to join our growing Nature Services team and play a key role in helping clients navigate the evolving biodiversity landscape. This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-profile projects, influence design decisions from the earliest stages, and contribute directly to nature recovery across the UK.
Whether you're already an established BNG specialist or an experienced ecologist looking to specialise further, we'd love to hear from you.
The Opportunity
Biodiversity Net Gain is transforming the way development is planned and delivered. As a BNG Specialist, you'll help clients meet statutory requirements while delivering practical, sustainable solutions that create lasting value for nature, communities and projects.
Working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, you'll partner with ecologists, environmental planners, landscape architects, GIS specialists, natural capital practitioners and engineering teams to embed biodiversity into project design, planning and delivery.
This role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from major infrastructure and renewable energy schemes to residential, commercial and mixed-use developments.
What You'll Be Doing
Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain Solutions
Undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the statutory biodiversity metric and current guidance.Collecting, interpreting and analysing habitat and ecological data.Developing practical and deliverable BNG strategies that align with planning and consenting requirements.Applying the mitigation hierarchy to achieve the best outcomes for both projects and biodiversity.Supporting habitat creation, enhancement, restoration and long-term management initiatives.Preparing and reviewing Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs).Contributing biodiversity expertise to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and wider environmental assessments.Producing clear, evidence-based technical reports and calculations.Working with Clients and Project Teams
Providing trusted technical advice to clients, project managers and multidisciplinary teams.Communicating biodiversity risks, constraints and opportunities to both technical and non-technical audiences.Supporting project delivery to agreed scope, programme, budget and quality standards.Collaborating with planners, engineers, landscape architects, GIS specialists and ecologists to develop integrated solutions.Preparing fee proposals, tender submissions and technical methodologies.Driving Innovation and Growth
Keeping up to date with emerging BNG policy, legislation, environmental markets and natural capital developments.Supporting the development of innovative tools, processes and best practice approaches.Sharing knowledge across the business and contributing to technical excellence.Identifying opportunities to grow biodiversity and nature-based services with existing and new clients.About You
You'll be passionate about biodiversity and motivated by the opportunity to influence how development contributes to nature recovery.
Essential Experience
Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Management or a related disciplineExperience delivering or supporting Biodiversity Net Gain assessmentsStrong working knowledge of the statutory biodiversity metric and associated guidanceUnderstanding of UK ecology, habitat assessment and environmental legislationAbility to analyse ecological and quantitative data and apply sound professional judgementExcellent report writing and communication skillsStrong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple prioritiesExperience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teamsDesirable Experience
Membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional bodyExperience supporting planning applications and development projectsKnowledge of UKHab classification and habitat condition assessmentExperience preparing Habitat Management and Monitoring PlansGIS and spatial analysis skillsUnderstanding of natural capital, ecosystem services and environmental marketsExperience engaging with planning authorities, landowners and other stakeholdersProtected species licences or specialist habitat expertise
Why Join Us?
You'll become part of a collaborative team working on projects that genuinely make a difference to the environment.
We offer:
Opportunities to work on nationally significant infrastructure and development projectsA strong focus on technical excellence and professional developmentSupport towards professional memberships and career progressionAccess to leading biodiversity, natural capital and environmental specialistsFlexible and hybrid working arrangementsA culture that encourages innovation, collaboration and continuous learning
Be Part of the Nature Recovery Journey
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing team at the forefront of Biodiversity Net Gain delivery. If you're excited by the challenge of helping shape developments that leave biodiversity in a better state for future generations, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help deliver development that gives back more to nature than it takes away.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do thebest work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?
With us, you can. Apply today. #LI-MB1
Source: WSP careers