Environmental Specialist; Ecology

Summary

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for a role that combines hands‑on work with strategic oversight and training? South East Water is looking for an Environmental Specialist (Ecology) to join our team. In this pivotal role, you'll be our in‑house expert, advising on a wide range of protected species, holding at least two relevant Protected Species Survey Licences, and boasting strong botanical capabilities with a solid understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain.

You'll bring your experience working within designated sites and familiarity with construction work to undertake hands‑on ecology work, review proposals, and audit ecological services. Beyond that, you'll be a vital resource, training colleagues, staying ahead of ecological updates, and overseeing our Protected Species Licensing.

• Advise on a broad range of protected species and habitats, working out how best South East Water can carry out its functions in an ecologically sensitive way.
• Influence design to minimise ecological impacts and plan and carry out appropriate survey and mitigation where required. Communicate this to Project Teams/Managers and provide training and updates across the business.
• Provide environmental advice on how the project should proceed and likely environmental sensitivities. Ensure each project is programmed and executed in a well‑planned way in line with environmental constraints.
• Input into design to minimise ecological impacts while enabling South East Water to carry out its business. Work on detailed reporting, consultation, and mitigation on key issues such as protected species and sites.
• Prepare and coordinate technical reports to a high standard to meet internal, stakeholder and regulatory requirements.
• Check and review work prepared by others, both internal and external.
• Manage and audit contractors and contract documents to ensure environmental risks are effectively represented and managed. Participate in scheme and programme meetings.
• Support engagement and contribution to environment team and project meetings, liaising with stakeholders and regulators.
• Prepare update briefings and update policies when legislation, guidance and best practice are updated.

• Minimum of two protected species Survey Licences.
• Technically qualified environmentalist (degree, HND or equivalent work‑related experience) with demonstrable work experience.
• Full, clean driving licence and ability to travel across the company region/areas as required.
• Good knowledge of ecology relevant to South East England, including protected species, invasive non‑native species, designated sites and biodiversity net gain.
• Excellent communication with a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• Ability to train others.
• Robust practical environmental experience in survey and mitigation including supervision of works on site.
• Experience obtaining and managing protected species licences.

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthused about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

• To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our careers website.
• It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.
• Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity and employment referencing checks.

£40,000 - £50,000 p.a. (dependent on experience)