SRO Environment Specialist in Bristol

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 support 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.

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:

• 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 every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way. Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.