Principal Consultant – Environmental and Ecological Assessment

Principal Consultant – Environmental and Ecological Assessment Join to apply for the Principal Consultant – Environmental and Ecological Assessment role at Ricardo Role: Principal Consultant – Environmental and Ecological Assessment Location: London, Harwell, Bristol, Manchester, Shoreham, Glasgow – Hybrid Role ID: 2025-3069 Our vision is to create a safe and sustainable world. Ricardo, a member of WSP, is a global strategic, environmental and engineering consulting company. With over 100 years of engineering excellence and employing close to 3,000 employees in more than 20 countries, we provide exceptional levels of expertise in delivering leading‑edge and innovative cross‑sector sustainable products and solutions. The Role We are currently looking for a Principal Consultant to join our Aquatic Ecology Team. We have established long‑term relationships with many of the UK’s water companies and are servicing multiple environmental frameworks and capital water and wastewater projects. Key Responsibilities Lead and develop a team of aquatic ecologists, supporting and training junior staff. Deliver expertise in aquatic ecology investigations across all project stages, from bidding, feasibility and optioneering, extensive field survey programming, detailed design and assessment. Contribute to the production of consents such as Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), Water Framework Directive (WFD), Drought Permits and INNS assessments as a technical author or reviewer. Communicate with colleagues and clients to deliver projects to budget and programme, showcasing strong organisational skills. Work collaboratively with a wider multidisciplinary water and environmental team. Key Competencies and Experience Extensive experience as a team leader in aquatic ecology assessments and supporting surveys within the UK water industry. First degree in a relevant environmental discipline, ideally with a postgraduate degree. In‑depth knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation, planning policies, licensing requirements and best practice survey techniques. Capability to lead Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments. Good understanding of WFD assessments and biological metrics informing ecological status. Experience leading, planning and coordinating field surveys, analysing and interpreting results and planning mitigation works. Specialist knowledge in fisheries, macroinvertebrate or macrophyte ecology (preferable). Excellent written and verbal communication skills; produce meticulous and accurate technical reports. Organised, proven ability to multi‑task and handle several projects simultaneously. Ability to manage multiple projects and proposals concurrently. Skills and Behaviours Self‑starter, part of a small busy team, excellent team working skills and strong communication. Excellent organisational, communication and presentation skills. Proven technical reviewing skills. Proactive, self‑motivated thinker. Ability to manage and support technical input into proposals. Ability to manage and prioritise workload and assist others in doing so. Flexibility around business needs. Working Here We welcome you into a workplace where every voice matters. We are diverse thinkers and doers, creating an inclusive culture that supports you to find your place. Your passion and expertise will make a positive impact through the projects you work on, supporting communities worldwide to become safer and more sustainable. Work Life Balance We offer flexible approaches to work – working from home, in the office or as a hybrid worker – and discuss flexible working arrangements. Well‑being is at the core of our culture, allowing employees to flourish and achieve their full potential. Benefits We value you. Your remuneration and benefits package reflect that. Core benefits: 25 days annual leave, 8 flexible bank holidays, competitive company pension scheme, life assurance and professional subscription reimbursement. We also offer a wide range of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in each person’s potential and help you reach yours. We have an ambitious diversity, equality, and inclusion approach. We value diversity; a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment. We are a disability‑confident employer. Next Steps Once you have submitted your application, a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Timing can vary depending on the volume of applications. We may start reviewing applications prior to the closing date. Ricardo is a disability‑confident employer – please advise the recruitment team via recruit@ricardo.com if you require any adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process. #J-18808-Ljbffr