We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.
At Portsmouth Water, we’re looking for a motivated Environmental Assistant to support the delivery of our ambitious environmental commitments on the Havant Thicket Reservoir programme. This is an exciting opportunity to play a hands on role in one of the region’s most significant water infrastructure projects, helping to protect and enhance the natural environment while ensuring sustainable water supply for the future.
As part of the HTR Environment Team, you’ll provide both technical and administrative support across a wide range of activities. From site-based monitoring and environmental data collection to reviewing documentation and supporting compliance with environmental legislation and permit conditions, your work will be vital to maintaining high environmental standards. You’ll also contribute to carbon reporting, ecological and water quality fieldwork, and help coordinate efforts between internal teams and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Review carbon data submitted by main contractors and identify gaps, inconsistencies, or required clarifications.
- Enter validated carbon data into the HTR carbon reporting tool and support monthly and quarterly reporting to internal stakeholders and regulators.
- Compile environmental performance data for inclusion in monthly reports to Portsmouth Water Board, Southern Water, and Ofwat.
- Carry out assurance site visits to contractors and subcontractors, inspecting compliance with environmental plans such as CEMPs and water quality plans.
- Record observations and non-conformances, and report these to the Environment Manager.
- Support ecological field tasks under the direction of the HTR Ecology Manager, including water quality sampling, habitat monitoring, or survey preparation.
- Assist the HTR Ecology Manager with the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects.
- Maintain accurate field notes, photos, and evidence logs following each visit.
- Review environmental documents submitted by contractors and provide comments and recommendations to the Environment Manager.
- Support environmental audits by preparing checklists, collecting supporting evidence, and tracking follow-up actions.
- Monitor compliance with environmental permit conditions and assist the team in addressing corrective actions.
- Plan, schedule, and coordinate meetings, ensuring rooms, invitations, materials, and attendee communications are fully arranged.
- Record accurate minutes, track actions, and circulate post-meeting documentation.
- Act as secretariat for Environment meetings, preparing agendas and supporting the chair with action management.
- Maintain well-organised digital and physical environmental records.
- Represent the HTR Environment Team in routine internal and external communications.
- Assist in liaising with internal teams, contractors, clients, and stakeholders to communicate environmental requirements and best practice.
Skills, Qualifications & Competencies
- Degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Science or related discipline.
- Graduate member of a professional body (ISEP, CIWEM, CIEEM) or working towards membership.
- Excellent IT skills and competent with Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to process and input carbon calculation and ecological data.
- Motivated to undertake environmental fieldwork, including water quality sampling and surveys.
- Confident in engaging with environmental stakeholders at local levels.
- Self-motivated, focussed, well-organised and able to work to deadlines.
- Attention to detail.
- Competent filing and organisation skills.
- Full UK driving licence required.
Preferred Experience
- Experience of environmental fieldwork and data collection.
- Familiarity with environmental monitoring plans such as CEMPs and water quality plans.
- Previous involvement in Biodiversity Net Gain projects.
We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways and are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please discuss this at interview.
We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.
The Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
What can Portsmouth Water offer you?
- Bigger annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays.
- Generous pension: up to 15% contribution.
- Performance bonus up to 6% of basic salary.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave and pay.
- Summer and winter social events covered.
- Life assurance with 4x salary lump sum.
- Wellbeing support: mental health advice 24/7 and virtual GP service.
- Discounts at thousands of retailers and additional perks – Electric Vehicle Scheme, Cycle to Work, Health Cash Plan, and more.
