ecology

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for a role that combines practical work with strategic supervision and training?

Do you have a proven track record of working within assigned sites and overcoming construction environmental challenges?

South East Water is looking for an Environmental Specialist (Ecology) to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will be our in-house expert, advising on a wide range of protected species, holding at least the relevant protected species survey licences, and boasting strong botanical capabilities with a strong understanding of net biodiversity gains. You will bring your experience of working within assigned sites and familiarity with construction work to carry out practical environmental works, review proposals and audit environmental services. Furthermore, you will be a vital resource, training colleagues, keeping up with environmental updates, and overseeing the licensing of our protected species.

Key responsibilities

• The individual will be a skilled ecologist able to advise on a wide range of protected species and habitats, and identify how South East waters can best perform their functions in an environmentally sensitive manner.
• Responsible for influencing design to minimize environmental impacts, and planning and implementing appropriate surveying and mitigation where required. Responsible for communicating this to project teams/managers. Also provides training and updates across the business.
• Providing environmental advice on how to proceed with the project and potential environmental sensitivities of the project. This will ensure that each project is programmed and implemented in a well-planned manner in line with environmental constraints, such that environmental risks are avoided or appropriate controls are in place.
• Input into the design to minimize environmental impacts in the most effective way while also enabling South East Water to deliver its work. Work on detailed reporting, consultation and identification of mitigation actions on key issues such as protected species and sites.
• Prepare and coordinate technical reports at a high level to meet internal, stakeholder and regulatory requirements.
• Examine and review work prepared by others, internal and external.
• Manage and audit contractors and contract documents to ensure environmental risks are represented and managed effectively. Participate in plan and program meetings.
• Support in participating and contributing to environment and project team meetings and liaising with stakeholders and regulators.
• Preparing update summaries and updating policies when legislation, guidance and best practice are updated.

You will need:

Skills/Qualifications/Experience

• Minimum protected species survey licenses.
• Technically qualified environmental expert (possess a degree, HND or equivalent work-related experience) and demonstrable work experience.
• A full and clean driving license and the ability to travel across company territory/s as required
• Good knowledge of the environment relevant to South East England, including protected species, non-native invasive species, designated sites and net biodiversity gains.
• Excellent communication with a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• Ability to train others.
• Strong practical environmental experience in surveying and mitigation including supervision of on-site works.
• Experience in obtaining and managing protected species licenses.

It will be a bonus if you have:

Skills/Qualifications/Experience

• Obtaining an ideal academic degree in a scientific specialty or work-related field.
• Member of a professional charter or working for.
• Strong botanical surveying skills.
• Knowledge of relevant planning processes including environmental impact assessment (environment chapter).
• Experience in obtaining permission to work within assigned sites and managing this work.
• Use of geographic information systems
• Experience in achieving net gains for biodiversity.
• Experience in aquatic environments.
• Experience in project management including finance.