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- Tasks: Provide on-site ecological support and ensure compliance on large construction projects.
- Company: Join RPS, a global environmental consultancy dedicated to protecting habitats.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, career development, and a contributory pension scheme.
- 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 opportunities and a supportive team environment await you.
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. You will represent RPS on site, lead ecological supervision, provide rapid technical advice to avoid delays, and ensure 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 onsite solutions and elevate 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.
Salary and Benefits
- GIS/mapping skills or experience using mobile data-capture tools.
- 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 and any submitted will be taken as a gift. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Temporary
Job function Management and Manufacturing
Industries Business Consulting and Services
Environmental Clerk of Works in Bristol employer: RPS
Contact Detail:
RPS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Clerk of Works in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research RPS and their projects, especially in ecology and environmental consultancy. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to ecological supervision and compliance. Think about real-life examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and decision-making abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Clerk of Works in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Environmental Clerk of Works role. Highlight your relevant experience in ecological consultancy and any specific projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about ecology and how your skills make you a great fit for RPS. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage ecological compliance on construction sites.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Use examples from your past roles where you effectively communicated complex ecological information to non-specialists.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
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 previous 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 regulatory bodies in the past. Highlight any toolbox talks or briefings you've delivered.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss situations where you've had to make rapid decisions under pressure. Think of specific examples where you provided onsite solutions for unexpected ecological incidents and how you managed to keep projects on track.
✨Bring Evidence of Your Work
Have a portfolio ready that includes site visit reports, compliance audits, and any photographic records you've maintained. This will not only showcase your organisational skills but also your commitment to high-quality reporting and record-keeping.
