Fluvial Geomorphologist

Job Description

In today's world it's important to work for a company that has clear purpose, giving back to communities and supporting what is truly important in the world.

When considering a career move it's vital to work for a business that is aligned to your values and goals, a place where you can belong. See what WSP stands for in 2024 and beyond...

WSP is seeking an Associate Director / Associate / Principal Fluvial Geomorphologist / Hydromorphologist within the Catchment Science team with specialisms in fluvial geomorphology, Water Framework Directive (WFD), natural flood management (NFM), nature-based solutions (NbS), weir removal, river and catchment enhancement, and biodiversity net gain (BNG) for watercourses. You will play a key role in delivering our growth strategy for Hydromorphology and provide mentoring and technical support to our growing team. This is an exciting career opportunity where you can shape your role to align your strengths to our growth strategy.

WSP has one of the largest pools of fluvial geomorphology, WFD, and watercourse biodiversity technical specialists in UK consultancy. Sitting within our Hydromorphology Service area within the Catchment Science team in Sustainable Water Management, you will be working with a dedicated team of technical specialists in fluvial geomorphology, biodiversity, and water management. In addition, we work collaboratively across the business, including with our Aquatic Ecology, Groundwater, Nature Advisory, Environmental Impact Assessment, and other service lines. We provide technical expertise on complex projects across a diverse range of sectors.

This is a fantastic opportunity for career development within our Hydromorphology Team where you can make a real contribution to the future direction and growth of this service line. Our Hydromorphology Team covers both freshwater, transitional, and coastal geomorphology with clients in both the public and private sectors. BNG and NbS is a big growth area for the team, therefore there is scope to drive forward the Biodiversity specialism for Rivers and Streams and make a positive contribution to our growth agenda. We are also on a new framework for river restoration, which has the potential for hands-on geomorphological input and influence for sustainable river management and renaturalisation.

The successful applicant will enjoy the benefits of working within a caring 'people first' team which champions WSP's commitments to diversity, inclusion, and equality. Therefore, we are also open to flexible working and reduced working hours for the right candidate.

• Taking ownership of aspects of our hydromorphology growth strategy and making a positive contribution to its implementation
• Undertaking fluvial geomorphology assessments for a diverse project portfolio
• Providing technical support and mentoring to junior staff
• Contributing to the development and delivery of internal training material for fluvial geomorphology and watercourse BNG
• Leading on and assisting in writing of proposals for our wide client-base
• Undertaking and/or leading on WFD and BNG watercourse assessments
• Identifying enhancement solutions and contributing to river enhancement and restoration design
• Working collaboratively with our multi-disciplinary teams across the business
• Developing innovation tools for hydromorphology
• Contributing to business development for our hydromorphology service line
• Producing high quality reports, as well as experience in scheduling and budget management responsibilities.
• Mentoring, coaching, and supporting junior staff.
• Networking across the wider UK consultancy business, developing relationships with team members in other technical disciplines.

The role requires excellent reporting and communications skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team, seeking technical input from other disciplines to deliver carefully considered solutions and to produce high quality work. The required skills and qualifications include:

• Strong professional experience and track record in fluvial geomorphology and WFD, including field survey planning, leading and coordinating large projects, and managing a dispersed team of surveyors.
• Experience of technical lead for a range of projects, including project/task management, financial management and delivery of high-quality written reports.
• Relevant degree (BSc or MSc) in environmental science/geography
• Knowledge of UK and European legislation in relation to the water environment and biodiversity.
• Project management experience including management of subcontractors and associates.
• Experience in undertaking WFD assessments.
• Detailed specialist knowledge of one, or more, of the following would be advantageous:
  • River channel design;
  • Sediment sampling and analysis;
  • GIS skills;
  • BNG River Condition Assessment (RCA) and hold RCA accreditation desirable;
  • WFD; and
  • Fluvial audit.
• Full membership of CIWEM, CIEEM, RGS and ideally chartered for this grade but WSP will support and mentor candidates on their chartership journey.

We are WSP - Join us and make your career future ready

In today's world it's important to work for a company that has clear purpose, giving back to communities and supporting what is truly important in the world.

When considering a career move its vital to work for a business that is aligned to your values and goals, a place where you can belong.

To find out more about our business click on the following link and discover what awaits you at WSP: Who We Are | WSP

• Work-life balance? WSP recognises that work is only one part of your life and making time for other things is important - whether that's for your families, friends, or yourself.
• Inclusivity & Diversity? We want our people to achieve rewarding careers, bringing their whole selves to work. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing diversity to create a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• 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.
• Flex your time? For improved work life balance, WSP offers the "WSP Hour" which enables you to take one hour per day to do as you wish and make up the time earlier or later that day.
• Your development? We appreciate that development and training is important to you and that's why we have a supportive environment that invests in your development, whether that's chartership, training or mentoring.

APPLY NOW AND BE THE FUTURE OF WSP

#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.

Please note WSP reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date.