County Ecologist in Nottingham

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society.

We are proud to be ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves. We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution. These include:

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Up to 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working

Our proposed business plan would see us deliver the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in more than a century, investing in assets and delivering improved services for customers and the environment. It will deliver a step change in tackling those issues that matter the most – from reliable water supplies to cleaner rivers and bathing waters – helping to make the North West greener, healthier and stronger.

Our projects are designed to be environmentally and socially responsible. They are complex and wide ranging, often in sensitive areas of the North West throwing up a diverse range of ecological challenges offering you opportunities to learn and grow. We are here to support you in reaching your full potential and thriving in your career and beyond.

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can utilise your passion for ecology, working on sustainable projects that benefit the environment and society, exploring opportunities to deliver biodiversity net gain (BNG) across our 56,000 hectare estate or through partnerships? If yes, then we have a fantastic opportunity for you at United Utilities (UU) as a County Ecologist.

As a County Ecologist operating at the level of a Senior Ecologist, you will report into/work closely with Principal Ecologist and work alongside our environmental, capital delivery and engineering colleagues and partners. You will support the development of survey and consenting strategies working with a wide range of stakeholders from across the region in particular Planning Authorities, Natural England, the Environment Agency and a whole host of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

We are excited to offer you a flexible and hybrid working model that lets you balance your work and life. In-person attendance at our site in Warrington, Kendal or Preston is normally required three days per week but this is flexible depending on the need for site visits, surveys and off-site meetings. We are keen to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration with our colleagues, partners and regulators and recognise the need for flexibility of working hours and location.

Key accountabilities

• Provide ecological support across the capital programme and deliver on United Utilities time and quality objectives.
• Support the delivery of ecology work undertaken by our framework contractors and design and delivery partners.
• Support the design, procurement and programming of a wide range of ecology surveys.
• Prepare and review a range of technical reports and ecological assessments and provide technical guidance in the design and delivery of any necessary mitigation measures.
• Support the undertaking of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and the design and delivery of any compensatory requirements.
• Liaise with external stakeholders (EA, Natural England, planning authorities, suppliers, construction teams etc.) and provide guidance to support internal teams, ensuring projects adhere to best practices and comply with relevant policies and regulations.
• Provide advice to the business and our partners on the regulations and requirements relating to protected sites and species.

Skills & experience

• Recent chartered ecologist (or working towards chartership) with a relevant body (e.g. CIEEM) with some post-graduate or equivalent experience gained.
• Experience of delivering and coordinating ecological surveys and assessments, providing advice to designers and construction contractors, and working closely with external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of project management including procurement, budget control, managing other ecological disciplines & sub-contractors, programming work and meeting project objectives.
• Experience of technical report writing and reviewing reports and assessments.
• Experience of working in multi-discipline teams, providing technical and non-technical advice and problem solving.
• Demonstrable experience of working with a range of protected species and preferably expertise in at least one relevant specialism.
• Practical experience of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) including use of the Defra metric.
• Experience of data management and mapping with a Geographic Information System (GIS), such as ArcGIS is advantageous but not essential.

Qualifications

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management with some post-graduate or equivalent experience gained.