Senior Soil Science Consultant / Principal Soil Science Consultant

Senior Soil Science Consultant / Principal Soil Science Consultant

Manchester, England, United Kingdom – Flexible location / hybrid working2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsWe are seeking an experienced soil scientist to join WSP’s Ground and Water team within the Earth and Environment business. The role involves leading and delivering soil-related assessments for a range of infrastructure and development projects, collaborating with colleagues across Ground and Water, Nature Advisory, Landscape, Environmental Planning and Sustainability Policy and Compliance, and growing our soil capability within the business.

OverviewThis senior position is part of a small soil team and will involve office-based work with periods on site for training, fieldwork oversight, and QA on surveys. The candidate should be a strong relationship builder, highly organized, adaptable to commercial consultancy needs, and capable of supporting team growth to meet rising demand for specialist soils services.

Responsibilities

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 the preparation of fee proposals, business development and work-winning activities.

Lead and support fieldwork/site visits; produce written reports for Agricultural Land Classification (ALC), Soil Resource Assessment and tailored assessments for Environmental Statements; collaborate with Nature Advisory and Landscape teams on related plans.

Manage data to support technical reporting; provide advice and support to colleagues; liaise with clients, landowners, contractors, statutory authorities and third parties.

Qualifications

Degree-level qualification in Soil Science, or similar (physical geology, environmental science) with 5–10 years of relevant practical experience.

Experience in completing ALC surveys, Soil Resource Surveys, Soil Classification and site supervision during construction works, to BSSS competency standards.

Thorough grounding in Health and Safety procedures (including CDM) for site work.

Working knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessment methodology; experience with Environmental Statements is desirable but not essential.

Experience liaising with internal and 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.

Current working knowledge of UK environmental legislation, implications of construction on agricultural land, and understanding of UK agricultural practice and business issues.

Ability to work as part of a team and take ownership of project delivery; working knowledge of applied GIS is a plus; full driving license and enjoy working outdoors.

What we offer

Work-life balance with a hybrid working policy; flexible working arrangements and the option to work from home two days a week, plus office collaboration as needed.

Inclusivity and belonging; a culture that values diverse backgrounds and authentic contributions.

Health and wellbeing support through the Thrive programme, Virtual GP access, workplace adjustments, and wellness benefits such as Gymflex and menopausal support.

Flexibility to manage time with options like part-time arrangements, extra leave purchase, and flexible bank holiday use.

Development opportunities including training, mentoring, and potential Chartership support.

#WeAreWSP

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria and request workplace adjustments as needed.

Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to create positive, long-lasting impacts in communities around the ..... full job details .....