Lead Ecologist

Are you passionate about ecology and ready to make a real impact in the water and wastewater sector? As a Lead Ecologist within our Capital Delivery team, you'll be pivotal in shaping environmental aspects for projects across the Thames Valley, the home counties, and beyond.

Working closely with our Environmental Technical Assurance Engineers, you'll ensure ecological best practices are embedded in infrastructure projects, driving sustainability and compliance while protecting biodiversity.

Your key responsibility will be to oversee de-risking and mitigation activities throughout the project lifecycle from Preliminary Design through completion, with a specific focus on ecology-related risks. In this role, you will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative environment. Your support for proactive initiatives such as conducting ecological walkovers for protected species will be crucial, making you an integral part of the team.

You will collaborate with project teams to ensure smooth project delivery. A crucial part of your role will be reviewing contractors' Ecology and Protected Species documentation, including Method Statements for ecological surveys, PEAs, and biodiversity assessments, to ensure they meet the required standards. You will also play a significant role in supporting biodiversity net gain commitments across major capital projects.

You act as a critical interface between Capital Delivery and the various internal and external stakeholder groups involved in BNG. You will play a significant role in enhancing biodiversity. Your efforts in driving the Contractor’s compliance with achieving biodiversity net gain and promoting ecological awareness to embed a culture of environmental responsibility will give you a strong sense of purpose and contribution.

Support managers' relationships with regulators such as Natural England, environmental groups, and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with relevant environmental legislation at project and programme levels.

We are recruiting for two roles, one of which will be based at Hybrid, Clearwater Court, Reading, and the other at Hampton Coal Wharf, Hybrid. Two to three days a week, you will be required to be on-site as part of your role. 36 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Successful candidates must have a driver's licence and access to a car.

What you should bring to the role:

• A degree or a master’s in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related topic.
• Full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (preferred).
• Protected species survey knowledge, especially badgers and birds.
• Expertise with the industry standard Biodiversity Metric.
• Confidence to speak to all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
• Background of working on large projects.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £50,000 to £58,000 per annum.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (Plus bank holidays).
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• A wider benefits scheme includes our benefits hub, which is packed with offers and information to save money and support your well-being.

Who are we? We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.

Learn more about our purpose and values. Working at Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better. So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.