Biodiversity Specialist

Job Title: Biodiversity Specialist
Location: Flexible within our region (hybrid working – office, site and home based)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37, Monday to Friday
Salary: circa £48,000 (depending on skills and experience)

We have been busy recruiting brand-new Biodiversity Specialist roles within our Environment Strategy Team. We now have just one role left to fill, and we’re delighted to invite applications to this final role in our new Biodiversity Team. This position offers a unique opportunity to help the team to restore nature across Southern Water’s region, covering Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight.

Our wider Environment & Innovation team is at the forefront of Southern Water’s drive to enhance and protect the environment. Deploying the latest innovative solutions and working in partnership with our customers and stakeholders, the team takes an holistic approach to managing water quality and flow across the region. Currently delivering a £50million portfolio which rapidly expands to over £2 billion over next 10 years. This is a fast-paced team that is now expanding to continue to deliver a larger programme of sustainable and innovative solutions.

About the role

This role will support the Principal and Senior Biodiversity Specialists in identifying, planning, and delivering practical, site-based biodiversity projects across the business. They form part of our in-house team working to meet Southern Water’s AMP8 Biodiversity Performance Commitment and deliver the INNS programme under the Water Industry Natural Environment Programme (WINEP).

What you will be responsible for:

• The role holder will seek opportunities to enhance biodiversity across our estate and on third party partnership sites.
• The will conduct ecological and INNS surveys across our estate as part of a rolling programme, ensuring accurate mapping and clear data recording.
• They will collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders including NGOs, partner organisations, and community groups to implement biodiversity and INNS projects across our sites and reservoirs.
• They will support the implementation of INNS control measures and biosecurity programmes.
• They will assist in delivering training initiatives to promote understanding of biodiversity and INNS across the company.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• You will have a strong background in nature conservation and practical project delivery, perhaps in a local authority, infrastructure or ecological consultancy setting.
• Experience delivering projects through contractors and consultancy teams.
• Demonstrable expertise in ecological and botanical monitoring, biodiversity enhancement, and terrestrial/aquatic INNS management and biosecurity.
• Strong communications skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders, including working with environmental partnerships and volunteers.
• A highly motivated individual who can work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Confident in using Microsoft Office, GIS, and other relevant digital applications.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly (weekly) across the region for site visits and meetings.

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.