SRO Environment Specialist in Bristol

This is a critical technical role within our Strategic Resource Options (SRO) Programme. You’ll play a leading part in delivering environmental assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and embedding environmental best practice across complex water resource projects.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead Environmental Delivery
  • Deliver and coordinate environmental and ecological surveys across the West Country.
  • Produce and review high‑quality environmental assessments and reports.
  • Lead or contribute to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Environmental Statements and related statutory documentation.
• Ensure Regulatory Excellence
  • Lead or review environmental assessments including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance, natural capital, and invasive or non‑native species.
  • Make sure projects meet UK environmental laws and best practice.
  • Work with regulators to secure environmental approvals and keep projects on track.
• Shape Sustainable Outcomes
  • Contribute to option appraisals, risk assessments and strategic decision‑making.
  • Support alignment of environmental planning with water resource strategies.
  • Help drive long‑term environmental improvements across the region.
• Collaborate & Influence
  • Build strong working relationships across internal teams, consultants and stakeholders.
  • Engage with key external bodies such as Natural England, Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, environmental organisations.
  • Provide technical expertise to influence programme outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience & Expertise
  • Proven experience supporting or leading environmental aspects of large infrastructure or water resource projects.
  • Strong knowledge of BNG, HRA, WFD and UK EIA regulations, ideally within the water sector.
  • Experience delivering robust environmental assessments, including data analysis and reporting.
  • Experience working with environmental regulators to deliver successful outcomes.
  • Understanding of water resource planning, drought resilience, and Strategic Resource Options.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, high‑quality reports.
• Qualifications
  • Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Environmental Planning or related discipline (essential).
  • Chartered membership (CIWEM, CIEEM or equivalent) or working towards (essential).
  • Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject (desirable).
• Skills & Attributes
  • Strong analytical and technical capability.
  • Collaborative and proactive approach.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex programme environment.
  • Passion for environmental protection and sustainable infrastructure.
• Additional Requirements
  • Hydrological, environmental or ecological survey experience.
  • Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the region.
  • GIS skills and/or protected species licence (desirable).
  • Experience within the UK water industry (desirable).

Why Join Us?

• Play a leading role in sustainable water planning across the South West.
• Help protect and enhance some of the UK’s most valued natural environments.
• Apply your expertise to deliver real‑world environmental outcomes.
• Be part of a forward‑thinking, purpose‑driven organisation.

What You’ll Get

• Competitive salary – based on experience and expertise.
• Annual bonus scheme – linked to company performance.
• Pension scheme – helping to plan for your future.
• Flexible working options – including hybrid working where possible.
• Healthcare support – employee assistance and wellbeing programmes.
• Employee discounts – on products and services.
• Generous annual leave – time to recharge.

Closing date: 12th July 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Finally, a note: a successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.