At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead environmental assessments and ensure compliance for sustainable water projects.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector with a green mission.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonuses, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while shaping the future of water.
- Qualifications: Degree in Environmental Science or related field; experience in environmental assessments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
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 every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress.
SRO Environment Specialist employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being more than just a water company; we are dedicated custodians of the South West's natural resources. Our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices creates a dynamic work culture where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact. With competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a strong focus on personal and professional growth, we offer an exceptional environment for those passionate about protecting our planet while shaping their careers in a forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SRO Environment Specialist
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like South West Water.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like South West Water and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace SRO Environment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at South West Water.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. South West Water will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of SRO Environment Specialist at South West Water. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at South West Water, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show South West Water that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
