WSP in the UK & Ireland
Socio-Economics Consultant

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Job Description
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.
We are looking for a Consultant to join our Socio-economics, Population and Human Health team; one of the technical specialist teams which support our Environmental Management and Assessment Team in the UK. The post will be based in one of our UK offices, and we are seeking someone with experience in the themes this type of work typically encompasses; including: energy and renewables, infrastructure and master planning, residential and commercial development, education, and health. We have an exciting portfolio of projects which span a number of sectors - onshore and offshore renewables, aviation, rail, and residential to name a few. We need people with creative spirit, a dedicated approach, and a solid grounding in assessment and management, particularly at the project application and consents stages. The role is ideally suited to a pro-active individual looking to use their initiative to progress their career.
As one of the largest environmental consultancies in the UK, WSP gets involved in some of the most challenging and high-profile projects. We work on anything, from small developments across every sector, through to major national infrastructure schemes. Our client base includes major private and public sector developers and operators on some of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects in the UK.
A Little More About Your Role…
As a Socio-economic technical specialist, the role will involve a broad range of assessment and consents work including bidding, design / optioneering, technical analysis, mitigation and approvals. The role requires a good understanding of statutory procedures applicable to the consenting of infrastructure / mixed use projects, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Development Consent Orders (DCO). Knowledge of Population and Human Health assessments, and/or related topics such as Health and Equalities Impact Assessment would also be advantageous.
The role would suit an enthusiastic individual looking to manage and deliver Socio-economic and related assessment work, including undertaking economic modelling and analysis. You will help support junior members of the team, and oversee tasks relating to bidding, project management, project delivery, and financial management. You will have the opportunity to work with a great team across the UK, where inspiring work and a fulfilling working life are a priority.
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?
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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.
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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.
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A Typical Week Could Include
- Assembling and analysing data and carrying out desk-based studies;
- Drafting and editing Socio-economics chapters both in Environmental Statements and as stand-alone reports (e.g. Benefits Statements) and Population and Human Health assessments;
- Prioritising tasks and meeting commitments on an ongoing basis and taking ownership and responsibility for the completion and quality of work;
- Following sound project management principles and applying business operation skills in managing time and budgets, as well as costing new work proposals;
- Providing Socio-economic advice / environmental support on tenders / projects across various sectors, providing input to business development proposals (expression of interest and tender responses) and continuously improving our service offering to clients; and
- Keeping up to date with relevant environmental and planning legislation, policy, data releases, guidance, and best practice.
What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…
- Degree level qualification in a relevant discipline (such as environment, planning, or a similar related area);
- Experience of undertaking Socio-economic and/or Population and Human Health related assessments for a range of projects, ideally EIA;
- A keen interest in Socio-economics, infrastructure delivery, social and community impacts, as well as health and equalities;
- Grounding in the UK environmental and planning regime;
- Experience of liaising with multi-disciplinary teams, with clients, and with external bodies and organisations;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Demonstrable skills in some or all of the requirements listed above.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
With us, you can. Apply today.
About Us
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.


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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.
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