Botanist / Habitat Specialist

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…

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

Do you have a passion for all things botanical? Are you looking to work on engaging projects with a supportive team of experts?

We are seeking a Botanist to join our growing team of enthusiastic and experienced botanists, BNG specialists and ecologists.

Based out of our Edinburgh office but working closely with our sister team in Glasgow, you would be working on range of projects located throughout Scotland (including the Highlands and Islands), and Ireland.

We are a dynamic and friendly team based from our Edinburgh and Glasgow offices, working closely with a range of interrelated disciplines including Biodiversity Net Gain and Natural Capital specialists, arboriculturists, landscape architects, hydrologists, our historic environment experts and geotechnical specialists.

What we think sets us apart is that one of our key strengths is supporting the personal development of our team, via our Peer Partnership programme, on the job training with in-house experts, and a range of tailored external training for more specialist subjects. Many of our team work flexibly, both in terms of their working hours and their location.

We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive team, so even if you’re not sure you match everything in our job description, we are still keen for you to make an application. For example, we have supported a number of our team in gaining their FISC certification. Note that for this role, an appropriate level of experience could be more relevant than an academic qualification.

Qualifications

• Excellent plant and habitat identification skills – ideally to Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 4 or an equivalent level of technical expertise.;
• Experience of undertaking field surveys to collect biological data to a high standard (e.g., via NVC);
• Familiarity with Scottish habitats and key vegetation communities;
• Experience of writing ecological reports, and preparing detailed habitat management plans, including peatland, would be desirable;
  
  

Desirable

• Experience of working in the ecological consultancy sector would be beneficial but not essential; more important is the experience of planning and co-ordinating ecological survey tasks;
• A desire to support and be supported by a team of ecologists and other environmental professionals, to grow our skills and capabilities;
• Basic knowledge of GIS software would be useful;
• Membership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management at an appropriate level (mentoring is available for upgrade to Full Membership).
• Full, clean driving licence.
  
  

About Us

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

What’s In It For You

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.

Our hybrid working policy allows the flexibility to work from the comfort of your own home as well as collaborating in our contemporary offices across the UK.

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.

Our employee resource groups VIBE (LGBTQ+ employees), CREED (Championing Racial Equality and Ethnic Diversity) and our Gender Balance Group, in tandem with WSP’s Neurodiverse Community Group, WSP Connect Group (visible and non-visible disabilities) help us promote the right environment for you to reach your full potential.

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.

Med24 gives you and your family unrestricted telephone access to an NHS doctor where you can call day or night or have a face-to-face video consultation.

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. We also offer part time and flexible working arrangements plus the option to flex your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

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.