Principal Environmental Clerk of Works

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).