Ecologist​/Ecological Clerk of Works; ECoW England & Wales

United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors. Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face. Our company is split into two business areas:
Utility Infrastructure – Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK’s largest network owners and operators. Social Infrastructure - Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance.

Equal Opportunities Statement – At United Infrastructure, we are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If there is anything we can do to support you, remove barriers, or make the process more accessible, please let us know — we want this to be the best possible experience for you.

SHEQ Manager

Location:

England & Wales – project based with regular travel to live construction sites

The Ecologist / Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will provide specialist ecological advice, assurance and site-based support across infrastructure and construction projects throughout England and Wales. The role will ensure that construction activities are planned and undertaken in accordance with ecological legislation, planning conditions, client requirements, environmental permits, licences and project environmental commitments. The role will work closely with project management, engineering, construction and environmental teams to identify ecological risks at an early stage and ensure appropriate mitigation is incorporated into the planning and delivery of works.

A key element of the position will be providing practical ECoW support on live construction sites, including pre-construction surveys, ecological inspections, watching briefs, toolbox talks and monitoring of sensitive works.

• Act as ECoW for construction activities where ecological supervision or specialist advice is required.
• Undertake pre-construction ecological checks and surveys.
• Provide ecological watching briefs during potentially sensitive construction activities.
• Identify ecological constraints and communicate appropriate controls to project teams.
• Stop, pause or elevate works where there is a risk of ecological harm or breach of licence, consent or legal requirement.
• Provide advice on appropriate exclusion zones, buffers and working methods.
• Maintain accurate records of ecological inspections, observations, interventions and actions.

Provide specialist advice and site support relating to protected and notable species including, where relevant:

• Bats.
• Badgers.
• Great crested newts.
• Otters.
• Water voles.
• Reptiles.
• Breeding and nesting birds.
• Barn owls.
• Dormice.
• Invasive non-native species.
• Other protected or priority species identified through project surveys.

• Undertake or coordinate Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs).
• Support UKHab habitat surveys and condition assessments.
• Undertake protected species surveys within the individual's competence and relevant professional guidance.
• Review ecological survey reports produced by consultants.
• Support ecological input into Environmental Impact Assessments and project environmental documentation.
• Identify requirements for additional specialist surveys and consultants.

• Review RAMS and construction methodologies from an ecological perspective.
• Provide ecological input into Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs).
• Support preparation and implementation of Ecological Management Plans and Species Protection Plans.
• Undertake pre-start briefings and ecological toolbox talks.
• Work collaboratively with Site Managers, Engineers and Supervisors to develop practical solutions to ecological constraints.
• Attend construction and environmental planning meetings where…