Location
Bath, Somerset with regular travel throughout the Wessex Water region

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£36,000 per annum

About the Role
We have an exciting vacancy for a Conservation Adviser to join our Conservation team. If you are passionate about the local environment and enjoy engaging with like-minded people, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact. Wessex Water owns and leases nearly 3,000 hectares of land, including small pumping stations, large treatment works, reservoirs, and farmland. Our sites include over 290 hectares of SSSI and more than 900 hectares designated as Local Wildlife or Geological Sites. The Conservation team ensures these lands are well-managed for nature.

As a Conservation Adviser, you will be involved in delivering conservation land management and providing advice to support biodiversity commitments across the business. You will liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders such as volunteers and community groups. Your day-to-day work will include progressing project work through desktop assessments, procuring and overseeing contractors and consultants, and reporting to regulators. You will manage budgets and estimate costs for habitat works.

To conserve and enhance habitats and species of biodiversity, geological or heritage importance, you will undertake surveys, prescribe and oversee management, and implement monitoring. You will be encouraged to have a voice, be free-thinking, and empowered to work within a high-performing team. This role offers hybrid working options, allowing you to work from home some of the time as well as from our Bath office.

We actively invest in your professional development and provide a genuine opportunity to make a difference in nature conservation across the region.

Experience
At least five years of relevant experience in conservation, ecology, or the environmental sector. Demonstrable experience delivering nature conservation, ecology, or environmental projects. Experience in ecological surveying, habitat identification and classification, monitoring, data analysis, and recording. Knowledge of UK ecology, habitat management, conservation issues, and policy.

About you
Highly motivated by nature conservation with a positive, pragmatic, and forward-thinking approach. Able to work well both independently and within teams, including fieldwork. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work on own initiative to achieve goals in a dynamic environment. Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build positive, lasting relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Good IT skills including proficiency with MS Office, MS 365, and GIS software. A full UK driving licence is essential due to travel requirements across rural areas.

Qualifications
A degree in Biological Sciences, Environmental Management, or a related subject is desired but not essential depending on experience.