Senior Soil Science Consultant / Principal Soil Science Consultant

Senior Soil Science Consultant / Principal Soil Science ConsultantJoin to apply for the Senior Soil Science Consultant / Principal Soil Science Consultant role at WSP.

OverviewAt WSP, you will work with our Ground and Water team within Earth and Environment to grow our soil capabilities and support projects across sectors including energy transition, nuclear, rail, highways, and residential/commercial development. You will lead and support fieldwork, manage data for technical reporting, liaise with clients and stakeholders, and contribute to bid and project delivery with appropriate supervision.

Your Role

Lead and support fieldwork/site visits and produce written reports for Agricultural Land Classification (ALC), Soil Resource Assessment, and tailored Environmental Statements.

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

Support the Ground and Water team and collaborate with Nature Advisory and Landscape teams; help embed soils knowledge across the business.

Provide supervision and training to junior staff; support in the growth of the soils team to meet rising demand.

Prepare soil and agricultural assessments in support of DCOs, EIAs, and construction projects; coordinate survey work.

Contribute to fee proposals, business development, and work-winning activities as part of project delivery.

What You Will Need

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

Experience in Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) surveys, Soil Resource Surveys, Soil Classification, and site supervision during construction to BSSS standards.

Solid health and safety foundations for site work (including CDM) and a working knowledge of EIA methodology is desirable.

Experience liaising with internal/external clients, contractors, planning authorities, and stakeholders; excellent communication and report-writing skills.

Registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., British Society of Soil Science) and ideally chartered.

Working knowledge of UK environmental legislation and understanding of UK agricultural practice and business issues.

Ability to work as part of a team, take ownership of project delivery, and use applied GIS knowledge.

Full driving license and willingness to work outdoors.

Team and Work EnvironmentThe role is largely office-based with periods on-site for training junior staff and quality assurance on surveys. Location is flexible; hybrid working is available with travel to offices for meetings/project work. You will be an excellent relationship builder, highly organised, adaptable, and able to balance commercial demands of consultancy work.

What We Offer

Work-life balance with hybrid working policy (two days per week from home) and modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity and belonging initiatives, employee resource groups, and a culture of integrity and inclusion.

Health and wellbeing benefits, Thrive programme, Virtual GP, and menopause support; gym membership subsidies via Gymflex.

Flexible time options (WSP My Hour), part-time and flexible working arrangements, and extra leave opportunities.

Development opportunities including training, mentoring, and Chartered status support.

We 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 will provide workplace adjustments as needed.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Part-time

Job function

Consulting

Industries

Professional ..... full job details .....