Nature Solutions Specialist

Closing Date

Job Title :
Nature-based Solutions Specialist

Location: Within the Hampshire region (Hybrid/Flexible)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37, Monday to Friday

Salary : £45-48,000, depending on skills and experience

As part of Southern Water’s drive to enhance and protect the environment, the Environment & Innovation team are deploying the latest innovative solutions and working in partnership with our customers and stakeholders. The team takes a holistic approach to managing water quality and flow across the region, with a portfolio that has rapidly expanded from £50 million to over £2 billion in the next 10-year period.

This is a fast-paced team that is now expanding to continue to deliver a larger programme of new and sustainable solutions.

A brand-new position has been created to join our Environment & Innovation team as a Nature-based Solutions Specialist.

Working within the Environment & Innovation department, this is a critical role underpinning the implementation of our Catchment Management strategies, which influence our 5 to 50 year strategic plans. The catchment management programme is driving environmental benefit via the delivery of our regulatory commitments such as the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) and statutory plans such as the Water Resource Management Plan, Drought Plan and Water Resources South East.

The role will include a blend of desk and field-based work, with opportunities for site visits and on-site work across the chalk streams of Hampshire.

• You will support delivery of our regulatory programme, supporting the Principal Nature-based Solutions Specialist to technically manage implementation, delivery and reporting our regulatory investigations, impact assessments, ecological schemes and compliance requirements.
• You will be responsible for undertaking technical evaluation / recommendations on environmental nature-based measures that will likely be needed to mitigate predicted environmental challenges from our operations.
• You will provide Nature-based Solutions advice to the wider business in relation to ecology, planning and development, environmental policy etc.
• You will contribute to industry forums promoting Southern Waters Catchment First approach.

• Demonstrable expertise in ecology, river / wetland restoration, biodiversity enhancement, Habitats Directive, Water Framework Directive, planning and development.
• Proven expertise of technical report writing.
• The ability to demonstrate the completion of quality multi-disciplinary tasks on time to a consistent & high standard.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure is essential.
• Experience managing delivery of technical work via sub-contracted consultancy teams.

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…