Location
Falmer, East Sussex (Hybrid/Flexible)

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary
Circa £45,000 - £55,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience

About the Role
The Environment & Innovation team at Southern Water is leading the way in enhancing and protecting the environment by deploying innovative solutions and working closely with customers and stakeholders. With a rapidly expanding portfolio growing from £50 million to over £2 billion over the next 10 years, this fast-paced team is expanding to deliver a larger programme of sustainable and innovative solutions.

We are recruiting two new positions: Senior Catchment Specialist and Catchment Specialist, Partnerships. In these roles, you will be part of the Catchment Strategy Team supporting the delivery of our Integrated Catchment Management Strategy. You will work closely with Catchment Partnerships and internal teams to implement nature-based, innovative solutions that protect water quality and the environment.

Your work will help deliver our environmental ambitions and meet regulatory commitments under programmes such as DWI Undertakings, WINEP, and statutory plans including the Water Resource Management Plan and Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans. You will collaborate with stakeholders, regulators, and community groups to promote catchment-scale solutions, support technical evaluations, and recommend environmental measures to address future challenges.

Additionally, you will assist in planning for successive AMP periods, aligning work with partnership opportunities, and contribute to cross-functional projects and industry forums to champion the catchment approach. The Senior Catchment Specialist role includes managing individuals and workloads to support the Team Manager.

This role offers a hybrid working approach between our Falmer office and home, with a comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension, annual leave, life assurance, salary sacrifice electric car scheme, health cash plan, paid volunteering days, occupational health service, retail discounts, digital GP service, study support, maternity leave, flexible return to work options, and cycle to work scheme.

Join Southern Water’s Environment & Innovation team and advance your career with a company committed to training, development, and environmental stewardship. We value flexible working and encourage you to discuss any needs during the application process. As part of Southern Water, you will also be part of the incident support team, contributing to 24/7 customer service and operational excellence.

Experience
- Environmental background with demonstrable experience in water quality investigations, catchment management planning, and delivery
- Experience in project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and technical report writing
- Skills in data analysis, GIS mapping, and dashboard reporting systems
- Strong technical expertise in hydroecology, catchment water planning, and GIS systems
- Senior role requires MSc or equivalent experience and experience managing individuals and workloads

About you
- Degree or equivalent experience in environmental science or related field
- Motivated to work collaboratively with internal teams, stakeholders, regulators, and community groups
- Committed to delivering innovative, nature-based environmental solutions
- Flexible and adaptable to hybrid working and incident support responsibilities

Qualifications
- Degree in environmental science or related discipline required
- MSc or equivalent experience preferred for Senior Catchment Specialist role