Environmental Advisor

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Environmental Advisor to join the expanding Sizewell C (SZC) project team in Suffolk. Sizewell C is one of the UKs largest and most significant infrastructure projects, playing a key role in Britains transition towards a low-carbon energy future. Once operational, the new nuclear power station will provide reliable, low-carbon electricity to approximately six million homes for around 60 years.

We are looking for a practical, site-based Environmental Advisor to support the Construction Delivery Team, working closely with construction management teams, contractors and supply-chain partners to maintain high standards of environmental compliance and performance. This is a hands-on construction environmental role, not a corporate ESG or sustainability reporting position. We are looking for someone who enjoys being out on site, engaging with construction teams, identifying environmental risks and implementing practical solutions to ensure activities are delivered responsibly and in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The Role

Reporting into the Environmental and Sustainability Manager, you will provide environmental support and guidance across active construction areas, ensuring that environmental risks are identified, managed and effectively controlled. You will work collaboratively with Tier 1 contractors and delivery partners, providing advice, undertaking inspections and audits, reviewing construction documentation and supporting the continuous improvement of environmental performance across the project.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake regular environmental inspections across live construction areas, identifying potential risks, non-compliances and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide practical advice and guidance on UK environmental legislation, regulatory requirements, permits, consents and planning conditions.
• Work closely with construction teams, supervisors and contractors to ensure appropriate environmental controls are implemented throughout project activities.
• Review Environmental Management Plans, method statements, risk assessments and RAMS to ensure environmental risks are adequately identified and controlled.
• Monitor environmental compliance across areas including earthworks, water management, waste management, pollution prevention, ecology, dust, noise, lighting and materials.
• Support environmental audits, inspections and assurance activities against ISO 14001, project requirements and relevant regulatory standards.
• Investigate environmental incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and implementing appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
• Monitor environmental performance and ensure identified actions are followed through to completion.
• Identify potential environmental, contractual and consenting risks, escalating issues appropriately to the Environmental and Sustainability Manager.
• Promote environmental awareness and good practice through engagement with site teams and supply-chain partners.
• Encourage positive environmental behaviours and support continual improvement across the project.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in an Environmental Advisor or Environmental Management role within construction, civil engineering, infrastructure or an industrial environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK environmental legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Practical experience undertaking environmental inspections on active construction sites.
• Good understanding of environmental controls relating to earthworks, water, waste, ecology, dust, noise and pollution prevention.
• Experience reviewing environmental documentation, including Environmental Management Plans, method statements and RAMS.
• Confidence engaging with contractors and challenging working practices where environmental standards are not being met.
• Understanding of construction client and contractor responsibilities, including CDM Regulations 2015.
• Experience working within an Environmental Management System aligned with ISO 14001:2015.
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to engage effectively with operatives, supervisors, construction managers and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and take a proactive approach to environmental risk management.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Environmental Science, Environmental Management or a related discipline, or demonstrably equivalent practical experience.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working on major infrastructure, nuclear, energy, utilities or heavy civil engineering projects.
• Experience working within a multi-contractor construction environment.
• Membership of a relevant professional body, such as ISEP (formerly IEMA), or actively working towards professional membership.
• Experience undertaking environmental incident investigations and root cause analysis.
• Experience conducting environmental audits and assurance activities.
• Experience managing environmental permits, consents and regulatory compliance.
• Previous experience liaising with environmental regulators and statutory bodies.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be a proactive and confident environmental professional who can build strong working relationships across a complex construction environment. You will be comfortable working independently, influencing construction teams and taking ownership of environmental issues through to resolution. A practical, solutions-focused approach is essential, alongside the confidence to challenge poor environmental practices and promote a positive environmental culture.

Working Environment

This is a site-based position within the Sizewell C Construction Delivery Team in Suffolk. You will operate within a highly regulated environment, working alongside the client team, Tier 1 contractors and wider supply chain to ensure compliance with the Development Consent Order, environmental permits, regulatory consents and project-specific environmental requirements. The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring that environmental risks are effectively managed and that the project maintains the highest standards of environmental performance.