Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose
South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
Environment Specialist – Strategic Resource Option (SRO) Programme
Protect and shape the future of water and the environment
Bristol HQ | Hybrid working | Full-time
Salary up to £50,000 per annum plus excellent benefits (dependent on experience)
At South West Water, we’re more than a water company — we’re custodians of one of the South West’s most valuable natural assets. As we deliver one of the most significant water resources programmes in our history, we’re looking for an experienced SRO Environment Specialist to help ensure our plans enhance and protect the environment for generations to come.
About the Role
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.
Working alongside our SRO team, environmental specialists, and key stakeholders, you’ll help shape sustainable solutions that balance water security with environmental stewardship.
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 including:
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?
At South West Water, you’ll have the opportunity to:
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
We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
What You’ll Get
Join us and help deliver a reliable, resilient water future for our region.
We believe in rewarding our people for their dedication. As our Environment Specialist on the SRO programme, you’ll benefit from:
Competitive Salary – Based on experience and expertise
Annual Bonus Scheme – Linked to company performance
Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for the 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
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re passionate about protecting the environment, driven to deliver sustainable infrastructure, and ready to make a lasting impact — we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help secure water for the future.
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.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
