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- Tasks: Provide on-site ecological support and ensure compliance on construction projects.
- Company: Join RPS, a global environmental consultancy dedicated to protecting habitats.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, contributory pension, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while working on exciting infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecological consultancy and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Mentorship and training provided in a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As an Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW) within RPS's Ecology team, you will provide practical, on‐site environmental and ecological support to our clients across renewables, infrastructure and utilities during pre‐construction, construction and early post‐construction phases. You will ensure delivery of environmental and ecological mitigation, compliance with planning conditions and licences, and effective communication between contractors, project managers and statutory consultees. Your role includes representing RPS on site, leading ecological supervision, providing rapid technical advice to avoid delays, and ensuring high quality reporting and record‐keeping to protect biodiversity and reputations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide day‐to‐day environmental and ecological supervision and monitoring on large‐scale construction sites to ensure compliance with planning conditions, licence requirements and agreed mitigation.
- Deliver toolbox talks, ecological briefings and inductions for contractors and site operatives, translating ecological constraints into clear, actionable working methods.
- Supervise, undertake and quality‐assure ecological surveys and inspections on site (e.g., for nesting birds, bats, reptiles, otter, badger, great crested newt, habitat condition checks) and maintain clear, auditable records.
- Implement and monitor exclusion zones, buffer areas and temporary protection measures; advise on remedial actions where breaches occur.
- Act as first point of contact for unexpected protected species encounters or other ecological incidents, provide proportionate on‐site solutions and escalate to licensing authorities as required to avoid programme delays.
- Prepare concise, timely site visit reports, compliance audits and photographic records for clients and project files; contribute to CEMP/LEMP implementation and site‐level ecological method statements.
- Liaise proactively with clients, project teams, principal contractors, statutory agencies (e.g., Natural England, NatureScot) and local ecological stakeholders to maintain positive working relationships.
- Provide practical input on minor design changes or temporary works to reduce ecological impact and support delivery of biodiversity outcomes, including input to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery where requested.
- Support health & safety compliance on site and integrate ecological safeguards into contractor RAMS and permit‐to‐work systems.
- Mentor and supervise junior ECoWs and environmental technicians on site, promoting best practice and consistent standards across projects.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Membership (or eligibility) of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
- Proven experience working as an Environmental/ecological Clerk of Works or in a hands‐on ecological consultancy role on large infrastructure, renewables or utilities projects.
- Strong practical field skills for protected species and habitat checks; experience delivering toolbox talks and contractor liaison.
- Practical knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and statutory licensing processes (e.g., Wildlife & Countryside Act, Habitats Regulations) and experience working with statutory regulators.
- Experience of working under construction programmes and translating environmental constraints into pragmatic, deliverable mitigation measures.
- Good report writing and record‐keeping skills with the ability to produce clear, timely site visit reports.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills; confident engaging with contractors, clients and regulators.
- Ability to work independently on site, make rapid, defensible decisions under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Full driving licence and willingness to travel regionally with overnight stays when required.
DESIRABLE
- Protected species licences (e.g., bats, great crested newts) or demonstrable experience supporting licensed works.
- Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery and habitat creation monitoring.
- GIS/mapping skills or experience using mobile data‐capture tools.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
- Contributory Pension Scheme.
- Life Assurance.
- Flexible benefits including options to buy additional holidays and private health care.
- Flexible working hours and location options to support work‐life balance.
- Company vehicle allowance or pool vehicle access for site duties (role‐dependent).
- Supportive mentoring, career development and training opportunities across a growing, multi‐disciplinary ecology team.
ABOUT RPS
RPS is a global environmental consultancy committed to inclusive, high‐quality delivery that protects people and habitats. Our UK ecology team works across renewables, infrastructure and utilities, delivering practical, compliant and innovative solutions that help clients progress projects while delivering measurable biodiversity benefits. We value respect, professional development and collaboration, and provide the resources and support for EnvCoWs to operate effectively on complex construction programmes. If you meet at least 75% of the criteria and are passionate about making a positive impact through ecology consultancy, we would love to hear from you.
RECRUITMENT AGENCIES
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.
Environmental Clerk of Works in Abingdon employer: RPS
Contact Detail:
RPS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Clerk of Works in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, or even local meet-ups related to ecology and environmental consultancy. It's all about making connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in action! If you can, volunteer for projects or internships that allow you to demonstrate your ecological supervision and monitoring abilities. Real-world experience speaks volumes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and statutory licensing processes. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled ecological challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates who want to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Clerk of Works in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience as an Environmental Clerk of Works. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your practical field skills and knowledge of UK wildlife legislation make you a great fit for the role. We want to see real examples of your work!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clear communication, so make sure your reports and descriptions are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our careers page. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RPS
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and statutory licensing processes. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, especially in relation to protected species and habitat checks.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Environmental Clerk of Works, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with contractors, clients, and regulators in the past. Think about specific situations where your communication made a difference.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios you might face on site. Think through how you would handle unexpected ecological incidents or breaches of planning conditions. Being able to articulate your thought process will show your problem-solving skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Abilities
If you have experience mentoring or supervising junior staff, be sure to highlight this. Discuss how you've promoted best practices and maintained standards across projects. This will show that you're not just a team player but also a potential leader.
