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England & Wales | Field‑Based | Senior Role
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP , you can.
Here, you’ll access global expertise, contribute to landmark projects and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in your field. You’ll work in a culture that celebrates curiosity, new ideas and diverse perspectives — giving you the space to shape a career as unique as you are.
As one of the world’s leading engineering and environmental professional services firms, we are dedicated to helping communities and the natural environment thrive. Across the UK, our teams combine deep local knowledge with global innovation to deliver sustainable, future‑ready solutions in the built and natural environment.
We’re a community of engineers, environmental specialists, scientists, planners, programme managers and strategic advisors all driven by a shared purpose to create a better tomorrow.
The Role
We are seeking a senior environmental compliance professional to join us as a Principal Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW).
In this role, you will act as an independent environmental expert responsible for monitoring construction activities, assessing compliance with planning consents and permits, and ensuring that mitigation measures are implemented effectively.
Your work will provide impartial, transparent oversight across complex infrastructure projects.
This is a field‑based role requiring regular travel across England and Wales.
Accountabilities
- Deliver independent, evidence‑based environmental compliance monitoring.
- Safeguard adherence to planning conditions, environmental permits, licences and legislation.
- Maintain impartiality and the highest standards of professional integrity.
- Identify, record and escalate environmental risks and non‑compliances.
- Champion strong environmental governance across project delivery teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead environmental inspections and structured audits across multi‑site projects.
- Develop project‑wide inspection and audit plans with clear compliance criteria.
- Produce weekly RAG reports and detailed monthly compliance reports.
- Oversee and mentor EnvCoWs to ensure consistent, high‑quality delivery.
- Review CEMPs, protected species plans, licences and other technical environmental documents.
- Engage professionally with clients, contractors, regulators and planning authorities.
- Provide senior technical advice on environmental risks and mitigation requirements.
- Contribute to bids and proposals to help secure environmental compliance work.
- Support training, CPD and the development of junior colleagues.
Key Competencies & Experience
- Strong experience in environmental compliance within construction or infrastructure.
- Robust knowledge of UK environmental legislation and environmental management plans.
- Proven independence, impartiality and evidence‑based decision‑making.
- Advanced auditing, reporting and analytical capabilities.
- Ability to lead, mentor and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Resilience and adaptability in challenging site environments.
- Highly organised with strong judgement and problem‑solving skills.
Qualifications
- Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Ecology or a related discipline.
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., AEnvCoW, CIEEM, ISEP).
- CSCS card (or willingness to obtain).
- Auditing or environmental compliance training (desirable).
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the
best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?
With us, you can. Apply today.
#LI-MB1
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Work-life balance
At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.
Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
Inclusivity & Belonging
We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.
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.
Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
Flex your time
To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.
We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
Your development
We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.
#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.
