Senior Soil Science Consultant / Principal Soil Science Consultant

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP you can contribute to landmark projects, collaborate with experts in your field, and shape a career as unique as you.

Role overview: You will join the Ground & Water team within WSP's Earth & Environment business. You will lead and support fieldwork/site visits, produce written reports (e.g., Agricultural Land Classification, Soil Resource Assessment, and tailored Environmental Statements), manage data for technical reporting, and provide advice to colleagues and clients. The role supports growth of the soil team and collaboration with colleagues in Ground & Water, Nature Advisory, Landscape, Environmental Planning, and Sustainability Policy & Compliance.

Location and working pattern: The role is largely office-based with periods on-site for training and supervising surveys. WSP offices are nationwide; the location is flexible. The role offers a flexible mix of home working with travel to offices for meetings and project work.

Responsibilities would include:

• Prepare a range of soil and agricultural assessments in support of DCOs, EIAs, and construction projects; manage and coordinate survey work.
• Support colleagues across the UK with project delivery, assist in preparing fee proposals, business development, and work-winning activities.
• Lead and support fieldwork, provide quality assurance on surveys, and train/jointly supervise junior staff.
• Lead written reporting for Agricultural Land Classification (ALC), Soil Resource Assessment, and tailored assessments for Environmental Statements; work with Nature Advisory and Landscape teams on related plans.
• Manage data to support technical reporting; liaise with clients, landowners, contractors, statutory authorities, and third parties.

Team and career development: You will be part of a supportive team of environmental and engineering professionals and have opportunities to develop through training, mentoring, or Chartership. The post will be within WSP's Ground & Water service line.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree level qualification in Soil Science or a related field (physical geology, environmental science) with 5–10 years of relevant practical experience.
• Experience in completing Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) surveys, Soil Resource Surveys, Soil Classification, and site supervision during construction works to BSSS competency standards.
• A solid grounding in health & safety procedures (including CDM) for site work.
• Working knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) methodology; preparation of Environmental Statements is desirable but not essential.
• Experience liaising with internal/external clients, contractors, planning authorities, and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Registered with a relevant professional body (e.g., British Society of Soil Science) and ideally chartered.
• Understanding of UK environmental legislation, construction project implications on agricultural land, and UK agricultural practice/business issues.
• Enjoy working as part of a team and taking ownership of project delivery.
• Working knowledge of applied GIS; full driving licence; enjoys outdoor work.

Inclusion and benefits: We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and experience. We offer work-life balance, hybrid working, and a range of wellbeing and development initiatives. For details, please apply or contact us for more information.

About us: We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms with a diverse, inclusive culture focused on innovation and positive community impact. We provide development opportunities, mentoring, and Chartered pathways.