WSP in the UK & Ireland
Flood Risk and Surface Water EIA (Principal/Associate)

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Description
What if you could shape a career as unique as you?
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
To find out more about our Water business click on the following link and discover what awaits you at WSP: Water Resilience | Stronger Together | WSP
A Little More About Your Role…
We are looking for a Principal or Associate consultant who is experienced in the management, coordination and delivery of Flood Risk Assessments, Drainage Strategies and Water EIA projects to be able to direct and lead teams on technically complex projects for a range of clients.
Our Birmingham office provides a hub for 16 water environment professionals across water quality, water resources, geomorphology, water EIA and flood risk disciplines. In particular, we are seeking a senior professional who can provide leadership to 3 team members who focus specifically on water EIA and flood risk.
Project delivery and technical expertise is also a key part of the role. The successful candidate will lead the delivery of water EIA and flood risk studies to support our strong portfolio of major infrastructure projects such as renewable energy schemes in Wales, major highway schemes in the South West and Heathrow’s expansion in London.
Working as part of our national team, the successful candidate will also be able to work seamlessly across other technical areas within the Sustainable Water Management team. This includes but is not limited to LLFA technical services, permitting applications, drainage design and WFD.
Responsibilities Will Include
Playing a leading role in project delivery, including managing the interface with clients and internal stakeholders. Supervising, coordinating and reviewing the inputs of others within the business to deliver high-quality technical outputs that meet client requirements. Working with senior colleagues across WSP’s Sustainable Water Management and Earth and Environment teams to develop business opportunities and prepare successful proposals. To manage or direct projects effectively, balancing programme, budget and quality requirements, and ensuring that the highest health and safety standards are adhered to. Taking a leadership role for the water EIA and flood risk team and supporting the growth of the office. Providing technical guidance, training and support to junior colleagues. Playing a key role in growing WSP’s technical capability, knowledge and innovation base to develop new services for our clients.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Your team....
The Sustainable Water Management business comprises over 350 staff across water consultancy and engineering. Due to strong and sustained growth we are seeking new colleagues who have experience in Water EIA and Flood Risk Assessments to further strengthen our technical capability and lead the delivery of a range of project work, including planning and DCO applications for major infrastructure development.
The Sustainable Water Management business operates as a national team: work, training and technical expertise are shared around the local teams ensuring project allocation considers personal interests and personal development aspirations and much as practicable. As a senior member of the team you would be actively involved in the continued growth, development and resourcing of the team.
What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…
Experience in managing Water EIA, Flood Risk and Sustainable Drainage deliverables, with strong technical capability in at least one of these areas (noting that technical expertise in all areas is not a requirement). Demonstrable experience of leading or major contributor to technical inputs and teams for successful project delivery for planning and permitting for major infrastructure projects. This could include preparation of water EIA, FRA and WFD inputs to planning applications, participation in DCO examinations or planning inquiries, and developing applications for environmental permits. Track record in effective delivery of complex, high profile projects for the water environment. Experience of the Development Consent Order planning regime for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in the UK is desirable. Excellent knowledge of the regulatory context for planning and EIA in the UK. Experience of managing team members with a focus on professional and technical development. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Successful track record in managing client and stakeholder relationships. You should have practical project management experience, including management of project teams, and be comfortable managing challenging projects.
Qualifications
A degree in a relevant environmental, geographical, science or engineering discipline is essential. Chartered status with C.WEM, CEnv, CSci or CEng
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.
About Us
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 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 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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 our 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.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills