Principal Environmental Clerk of Works

Job Description

We are seeking a senior environmental compliance professional to join us as a Principal Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW).

In this role, you will act as an independent environmental expert responsible for monitoring construction activities, assessing compliance with planning consents and permits, and ensuring that mitigation measures are implemented effectively.

This is a field‑based role requiring regular travel across England and Wales.

• Deliver independent, evidence‑based environmental compliance monitoring.
• Safeguard adherence to planning conditions, environmental permits, licences and legislation.
• Maintain impartiality and the highest standards of professional integrity.
• Identify, record and escalation of environmental risks and non‑compliances.
• Champion strong environmental governance across project delivery teams.

• Lead environmental inspections and structured audits across multi‑site projects.
• Develop project‑wide inspection and audit plans with clear compliance criteria.
• Produce weekly RAG reports and detailed monthly compliance reports.
• Oversee and mentor Env Co Ws  to ensure consistent, high‑quality delivery.
• Review CEMPs, protected species plans, licences and other technical environmental documents.
• Engage professionally with clients, contractors, regulators and planning authorities.
• Provide senior technical advice on environmental risks and mitigation requirements.
• Contribute to bids and proposals to help secure environmental compliance work.
• Support training, CPD and the development of junior colleagues.

• Strong experience in environmental compliance within construction or infrastructure.
• Robust knowledge of UK environmental legislation and environmental management plans.
• Proven independence, impartiality and evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Advanced auditing, reporting and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to lead, mentor and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Resilience and adaptability in challenging site environments.
• Highly organised with strong judgement and problem‑solving skills.

• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Ecology or a related discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., AEnvCoW, CIEEM, ISEP).
• CSCS card (or willingness to obtain).
• Auditing or environmental compliance training (desirable).

We encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.