Environment Advisor

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes. We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today. We're looking for an Environment Advisor to join our team in Exeter and play a key role in helping us achieve our environmental commitments and reduce pollution incidents across our network.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with environmental, regulatory, operational or engineering experience who is passionate about protecting the environment and driving continuous improvement. Working closely with operational teams, regulators and internal stakeholders, you'll help investigate pollution incidents, identify opportunities for improvement and ensure high-quality reporting and regulatory compliance. If you're analytical, collaborative and motivated by making a positive environmental impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Location:

Exeter (Hybrid Working)

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent Salary: £31,500 per annum  excellent benefits What you'll be doing:
As an Environment Advisor, you'll be responsible for supporting the investigation, reporting and management of pollution incidents while helping the business deliver against its environmental targets.

Key responsibilities include:

Monitoring and tracking pollution incidents, ensuring all relevant information and evidence is accurately recorded. Supporting investigations into environmental incidents and assessing environmental impacts. Preparing Incident Summary Reports and submitting information to the Environment Agency (EA). Responding to regulator enquiries and supporting communications with external stakeholders. Building strong working relationships with the Environment Agency and providing advice on environmental guidance and regulatory requirements.

Reviewing incident information for accuracy, consistency and opportunities for business learning. Supporting the delivery of initiatives within the Pollution Incident Reduction Plan. Coordinating responses to pollution incidents, including liaising with Sampling and Laboratory teams. Supporting operational teams with third-party and environmental impact investigations. Identifying opportunities to reduce pollution and improve environmental performance. Developing innovative and practical solutions that help achieve business targets.

Delivering or supporting training on pollution risks and environmental responsibilities. Assisting with responses to environmental incidents, including collaboration with Legal and operational teams where required.

What we're looking for:

We're looking for someone who can combine strong analytical skills with excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities. You'll ideally have: A degree or equivalent experience in an environmental, engineering, operational or regulatory discipline. Experience working within wastewater, environmental regulation or another regulated industry (desirable). A minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above. A-Level Biology (desirable but not essential).

Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage priorities and work effectively under pressure. A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement. The ability to work collaboratively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to environmental protection while developing your expertise within a highly regulated and essential service industry. In return, you'll…