At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct ecological surveys and assessments while collaborating with project teams.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in sustainable water management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and excellent development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse team culture focused on innovation and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental projects that matter.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology or related field; strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Falmer / Hybrid Working with site visits
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: From £35,000 depending on experience
We're looking for a passionate Terrestrial Ecologist to join our Environment team, supporting the delivery of water, wastewater and infrastructure projects across the Southern Water region. This is an exciting opportunity to undertake ecological surveys, assessments and reporting while working closely with Project Managers, Engineers and Environmental Advisors to ensure projects are delivered sustainably and in compliance with environmental legislation.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake ecological surveys, assessments and site inspections.
- Collect, analyse and interpret ecological data.
- Prepare high-quality technical reports and ecological assessments.
- Support the delivery of cost-effective ecological solutions and mitigation strategies.
- Liaise with project teams, contractors, stakeholders and environmental regulators.
- Support the management of ecology subcontractors where required.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental procedures.
- Deliver work to agreed timescales and support project programme requirements.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and professional development initiatives.
- Travel to sites across the region, including occasional early morning, evening and weekend survey work.
What We're Looking For
- Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Good working knowledge of GIS and Microsoft Office.
- Strong organisational, communication and report-writing skills.
- Ideally one or more protected species licences.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Understanding of ecological legislation, survey techniques and environmental best practice.
- Proactive problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous development.
Why Join Us?
You'll be part of a collaborative team helping to protect and enhance the environment while delivering essential infrastructure projects. In return, we offer excellent development opportunities, flexible working and the chance to make a meaningful impact across our region.
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed. You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.
At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself.
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information: In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
Ecologist employer: SouthernWaterServices
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering AI Automation Engineers the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies like Microsoft Copilot and Power Platform in a dynamic and supportive environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth through training and development opportunities, as well as a focus on diversity and inclusion, Southern Water fosters a culture where innovative ideas thrive and every team member can make a meaningful impact on the future of water services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecologist
✨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 SouthernWaterServices.
✨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 SouthernWaterServices and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Ecologist
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 SouthernWaterServices.
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. SouthernWaterServices 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 Ecologist at SouthernWaterServices. 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 SouthernWaterServices
✨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 SouthernWaterServices, 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 SouthernWaterServices 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.
