Principal Environmental Clerk of Works

Locations: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Cambridge, Exeter, Nottinghamshire, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.

Job Description

We're now looking for a skilled and independent Principal Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW) to join our growing Environmental Compliance team. As a senior environmental compliance professional, you will act as an independent, impartial EnvCoW, providing transparent oversight of construction activities across complex infrastructure projects. You will monitor environmental performance, evaluate compliance with consents and legislation, and help ensure that environmental commitments are upheld. This is a field based position with regular travel across the UK.

What You'll Do

Environmental Assurance & Oversight

• Deliver independent, evidence based environmental compliance monitoring.
• Safeguard adherence to planning conditions, licences, permits and legislation.
• Identify, record and escape risks, issues and non compliances.
• Support strong environmental governance across project teams.

Site, Audit & Reporting Responsibilities

• Lead environmental inspections and structured audits across multi site construction projects.
• Develop project wide inspection and audit plans defining compliance criteria.
• Produce clear, evidence based weekly RAG reports and monthly compliance summaries.
• Interpret CEMPs, species protection plans, licences and environmental documentation.
• Mentor and support EnvCoWs to drive consistent, high quality delivery.
• Provide senior technical guidance on environmental risks and mitigation requirements.
• Engage effectively with clients, contractors, regulators and planning authorities.
• Contribute to bids, proposals and development of new environmental compliance work.
• Support CPD, training and development of junior team members.

About You

You'll bring credibility, independence and strong environmental judgement, with:

• Strong experience in environmental compliance within construction or infrastructure.
• Excellent understanding of UK environmental legislation.
• Demonstrated impartiality and evidence based decision making.
• Advanced auditing, analytical and reporting skills.
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to lead, mentor and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Resilience and adaptability in challenging site environments.
• Highly organised approach with good problem solving capabilities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Ecology or 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).

Equal Opportunity

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.