At a Glance
- 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, life assurance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for mentoring and growth.
- 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.
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 escalation 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.
Environmental Clerk of Works in London employer: RPS
RPS is an exceptional employer for the Environmental Clerk of Works role, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration within a multi-disciplinary ecology team. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, a contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for career growth while making a meaningful impact on biodiversity through innovative environmental solutions in the renewables and infrastructure sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Clerk of Works in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the environmental sector, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! Volunteer for projects or internships related to ecology and environmental work. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-world experience that can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching RPS and understanding their projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in areas like compliance and ecological supervision. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at RPS and making a positive impact in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Clerk of Works in London
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 website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people at RPS. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RPS
✨Know Your Legislation
Brush up on UK wildlife legislation and statutory licensing processes. Being able to discuss the Wildlife & Countryside Act or Habitats Regulations confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically on site.
✨Showcase Your Field Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with protected species and habitat checks. Bring examples of past projects where you delivered toolbox talks or liaised with contractors, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge and ability to communicate effectively.
✨Be Ready for Rapid Decision-Making
Think of scenarios where you had to make quick, defensible decisions under pressure. The interviewers will want to know how you handle unexpected ecological incidents, so having a few examples ready will help you shine.
✨Highlight Your Reporting Skills
Since clear, timely reporting is crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your report writing and record-keeping skills. Bring along samples of your site visit reports if possible, as this will provide tangible evidence of your capabilities.
