Ecological Clerk in Abingdon

The South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) is a landmark 150 million cubic metre reservoir near Abingdon. This project aims to secure vital water resources and enhance biodiversity through new habitat creation while delivering new leisure and recreational amenities. Binnies is proud to be working in joint venture with Arup as the delivery partner for SESRO, supporting Thames Water in securing a Development Consent Order (DCO) for this nationally significant infrastructure project. Together, we are responsible for all design, consenting, and environmental services for the integrated scheme.

Our Ecological Clerk of Works are currently supporting ongoing investigation works required to inform the design and DCO submission in late 2026. The need for ecological supervision is increasing as the project evolves, and we are looking to expand our team of dedicated Ecological Clerk of Works to play a key role in ensuring ecological compliance and best practice on site. While SESRO will be your primary focus, you'll also become a valued member of our national ecology and environmental team, with opportunities to contribute to other major infrastructure projects in the future. You can also join our active Ecological and Environmental Clerk of Works Communities of Practice. If not already a full/chartered member of CIEEM, we can provide mentoring. You will also benefit from technical and H&S training and paid membership of two professional institutions.

Our Ecological Clerk of Works ensure that construction activities are carried out in accordance with environmental legislation, permits, and mitigation strategies. You'll work closely with contractors, ecological leads, and survey co-ordinators to safeguard habitats and species while supporting the programme of site works.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with ecological requirements and mitigation measures.
• Provide on-site ecological advice and guidance to contractors.
• Conduct ecological monitoring, pre-commencement surveys, and watching briefs.
• Liaise with investigation and engineering leads on their programmes to ensure appropriate ecological supervision.
• Maintain accurate site records and digital recording of incidental ecological constraints.
• Deliver toolbox talks and ecological awareness training to site personnel.
• Support the wider SESRO ecological surveys as required.

Qualifications:

• Degree in an environmental related discipline.
• Membership of CIEEM and/or AECOW.
• Minimum of 3 years' ecological survey experience.
• Proven experience as an ecological clerk of works.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in GIS and digital collection tools.
• Exemplar health & safety awareness and behaviours.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in ornithological surveys is particularly valued, given the site's importance for nesting and wintering birds.
• Candidates must be based within a commutable distance of the SESRO site near Abingdon. This is a site-based role with some flexibility in working hours required depending on activity.
• Ecological survey specialisms or licences are beneficial but not essential.

We have a strong 'ENGAGED' culture that runs through everything we do. Evolved over 100 years, we have a culture of caring, where our employee's wellbeing and work-life balance are priorities. We pride ourselves on providing an inclusive working environment, where a diverse workforce is supported to grow and develop. The successful applicant will go from being great alone to truly amazing with Binnies. We develop intelligent solutions using our award-winning integrated planning and design approach to deliver functional infrastructure and lasting environmental and social legacies.

Binnies is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors.