Overview
Environmental Specialist (Ecology) role at South East Water UK. Are you an experienced ecologist looking for a role that combines hands-on work with strategic oversight and training? South East Water is looking for an Environmental Specialist (Ecology) to join our team. In this pivotal role, you'll be our in-house expert, advising on a wide range of protected species, holding at least two relevant Protected Species Survey Licences, and boasting strong botanical capabilities with a solid understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain. You'll bring your experience working within designated sites and familiarity with construction work to undertake hands-on ecology work, review proposals, and audit ecological services. Beyond that, you'll be a vital resource, training colleagues, staying ahead of ecological updates, and overseeing our Protected Species Licensing.
Responsibilities
* The ecologist will advise on a broad range of protected species and habitats, guiding how South East Water can operate in an ecologically sensitive way.
* Influence design to minimise ecological impacts, plan and carry out appropriate surveys and mitigation, and communicate this to Project Teams / Managers. Provide training and updates across the business.
* Provide environmental advice on project progression and likely environmental sensitivities to ensure projects are planned and executed in line with environmental constraints, avoiding environmental risk or applying appropriate controls.
* Contribute to design to minimise ecological impacts while enabling business activities; work on detailed reporting, consultation, and mitigation for key issues such as protected species and sites.
* Prepare and coordinate technical reports to high standards to meet internal, stakeholder, and regulatory requirements.
* Check and review work prepared by others, both internal and external.
* Manage and audit contractors and contract documents to ensure environmental risks are effectively represented and managed; participate in scheme and programme meetings.
* Support engagement with the environment team, project meetings, stakeholders, and regulators.
* Prepare update briefings and update policies when legislation, guidance, and best practice are updated.
Qualifications & Skills
* Minimum of two protected species Survey Licences.
* Technically qualified environmentalist (degree, HND or equivalent) with demonstrable work experience.
* Full, clean driving licence and ability to travel across Company region/areas as required.
* Good knowledge of ecology relevant to South East England, including protected species, invasive non-native species, designated sites and biodiversity net gain.
* Excellent communication with a wide range of internal and external audiences.
* Ability to train others.
* Robust practical environmental experience in survey and mitigation including supervision of works on site.
* Experience obtaining and managing protected species licences.
Desirable / Bonus
* Degree in a scientific discipline or relevant area.
* Membership of professional Chartership or working towards.
* Strong botanical survey skills.
* Knowledge of planning processes including Environmental Impact Assessment (Ecology Chapter).
* Experience obtaining permissions to work within designated sites and managing this work.
* GIS proficiency.
* Experience in biodiversity net gain and with aquatic environments.
* Experience managing projects including finances.
We are an inclusive employer
We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for. We recognise the communities we serve are diverse and that creativity comes from diversity. We are committed to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all through recruitment, employment, and career progression with South East Water.
Benefits
* Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
* 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
* Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
* Paid volunteering days.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Health cash plan.
* Life assurance.
* Wellbeing related benefits.
Recruitment & Conditions
* To apply, submit your CV on our careers website.
* You must have legal right to work in the UK at the start of employment.
* Pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks as part of the offer.
If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now.
Compensation package: £40,000 - £50,000 p.a. (dependent on experience)
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