Environmental Specialist (Ecology)

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for a role that combines hands-on work with strategic oversight and training? Do you have a track record of working within designated sites and navigating the ecological challenges of construction? South East Water is looking for an Environmental Specialist (Ecology) to join our team.

In this pivotal role, you'll be our in-house expert, advising on a wide range of protected species, holding at least two relevant Protected Species Survey Licences, and boasting strong botanical capabilities with a solid understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain.

• The individual would be a skilled ecologist who is able to advise on a broad range of protected species and habitats, working out how best South East Water can carry out its functions in an ecologically sensitive way.
• Responsible for influencing design to minimise ecological impacts, and to plan and carry out appropriate survey and mitigation where required.
• Provide environmental advice on how the project should proceed and likely environmental sensitivities of a project.
• Input into design to minimise ecological impacts in the most effective way while also enabling South East Water to carry out its business.
• Prepare and coordinate technical reports to a high standard to meet internal, stakeholder and regulatory requirements.
• Check and review work prepared by others, internal and external.
• Manage and audit contractors and contract documents to ensure environmental risks are effectively represented and managed.
• Support with engaging and contributing to environment team and project meetings and liaising with stakeholders and regulators.
• Preparing update briefings and updating policies when legislation, guidance and best practice are updated.

• Minimum of two protected species Survey Licences.
• Technically qualified environmentalist (with a degree, HND or equivalent work related experience) and demonstrable work experience.
• Full, clean driving licence and ability to travel across Company region/areas as required.
• Good knowledge of ecology relevant to South East England, including protected species, invasive non-native species, designated sites and biodiversity net gain.
• Excellent communication with a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• Ability to train others.
• Robust practical environmental experience in survey and mitigation including supervision of works on site.
• Experience obtaining and managing protected species licences.

• Degree ideally in a scientific discipline or relevant work related area.
• Member of professional Chartership or working towards.
• Strong botanical survey skills.
• Knowledge of relevant planning processes including Environmental Impact Assessment (Ecology Chapter).
• Experience obtaining permission to work within designated sites, and managing this work.
• Use of GIS.
• Experience in biodiversity net gain.
• Experience with aquatic environments.
• Experience managing projects including finances.

We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for. We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity.

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

What can you expect from your recruitment? To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career’s website. It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.