Ecologist

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for a role that combines hands-on work with strategic oversight and training?

Do you have a track record of working within designated sites and navigating the ecological challenges of construction?

South East Water is looking for an Environmental Performance Officer - Ecologist 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.

Main Responsibilities

• The individual would be a skilled ecologist who is able to 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. 
• Responsible for influencing design to minimise ecological impacts, and to plan and carry out appropriate survey and mitigation where required. Responsible to communicating this to Project Teams / Managers. Also providing training and updates across the business. 
• Provide environmental advice on how the project should proceed and likely environmental sensitivities of a project. This will ensure each project is programmed and executed in a well-planned way in line with environmental constraints, so that environmental risk are avoided or appropriate controls in place. 
• Input into design to minimise ecological impacts in the most effective way while also enabling South East Water to carry out its business. Work on detailed reporting, consultation and setting out 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, 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 with engaging and contributing to environment team and project meetings and liaising with stakeholders and regulators.
• Preparing update briefings and updating policies when legislation, guidance and best practice are updated. 

You'll need:

Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• Minimum of two protected species Survey Licences. 
• Technically qualified environmentalist (with a degree, HND or equivalent work related experience) and demonstrable work experience.
• Full, clean driving licence and ability to travel across 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.

It will be a bonus if you have:

Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• Degree ideally in a scientific discipline or relevant work related area.
• Member of professional Chartership or working towards.
• Strong botanical survey skills.
• Knowledge of relevant planning processes including Environmental Impact Assessment (Ecology Chapter).
• Experience obtaining permission to work within designated sites, and managing this work. 
• Use of GIS
• Experience in biodiversity net gain.
• Experience with aquatic environments.
• Experience managing projects including finances.