Associate Director​/Technical Director Soil Science

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.

At WSP, you’ll find yourself challenged in more fascinating and far‑reaching ways than ever before. You’ll explore new and inspiring opportunities to make the most of your expertise, broaden your professional horizons and create exciting new possibilities for people, organisations and society in general.

The role will be largely office based however it is anticipated that there will be periods on‑site training junior staff and providing quality assurance on surveys. WSP has offices throughout the country; our priority is to find the right person for this challenging role and therefore the location is flexible. The role offers a flexible mix of working from home, with travel into a WSP office for team and client meetings/project work.

• Preparation of a range of soil and agricultural assessments in support of DCOs, EIAs and construction projects, managing and coordinating survey work.
• Supporting colleagues across the UK with project delivery, assisting in the preparation of fee proposals, business development and work‑winning duties.
• Being supported by a team of experienced technical staff, training junior staff and spreading your knowledge and enthusiasm to other environmental disciplines.

You will lead and support fieldwork/site visits and produce written reports for Agricultural Land Classification (ALC), Soil Resource Assessment, and tailored assessments for inclusion in Environmental Statements. You will work with Nature Advisory and Landscape teams supporting their Landscape and Ecological Management Plans. You will manage data to support technical reporting, provide advice and support to colleagues, liaise with clients, landowners, contractors, statutory authorities and third parties.

• Degree level qualification in Soil Science, or similar (physical geology, environmental science) with 5‑10 years 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 thorough grounding in H&S procedures (including CDM) for site work;
• A working knowledge of EIA methodology for the preparation of Environmental Statements is desired but not essential;
• Experience of liaising with internal and external clients, contractors, planning authorities and stakeholders;
• Be able to demonstrate excellent communication and report writing skills;
• Registered with a relevant professional body (e.g. British Society Soil Science) and ideally chartered;
• A current working knowledge of UK environmental legislation, the implications of construction projects on agricultural land and an understanding of UK agricultural practice and business issues;
• Enjoy working as part of a team and taking ownership of project delivery;
• A working knowledge of applied GIS; and
• A full driving licence and enjoy working outdoors.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns with this role and other opportunities within the team.

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 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.

• Work‑life balance: flexible hybrid working policy.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: a culture that celebrates diversity.
• Health & Wellbeing:
  Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, Gymflex scheme, menopause support package.
• Flex your time with “WSP My Hour” and other flexible arrangements.
• Development: training, mentoring, Chartership.

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.