Location
Snodland, Kent / Farnborough, Hampshire / Arlington, East Sussex / Central London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£40,000 per annum

About the Role
Are you an experienced ecologist seeking a role that blends hands-on ecological work with strategic oversight and training responsibilities? South East Water is looking for an Environmental Performance Officer - Ecologist to join our team as the in-house expert. In this pivotal role, you will advise on a wide range of protected species, hold at least two relevant Protected Species Survey Licences, and demonstrate strong botanical skills alongside a solid understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain.

You will apply your experience working within designated sites and your familiarity with construction projects to undertake practical ecology work, review proposals, and audit ecological services. Additionally, you will provide training to colleagues, stay current with ecological updates, and oversee Protected Species Licensing to ensure compliance and best practice.

Your responsibilities will include influencing project design to minimise ecological impacts, planning and conducting appropriate surveys and mitigation, and communicating effectively with Project Teams and Managers. You will provide environmental advice to ensure projects are well planned and executed in line with environmental constraints, avoiding risks or implementing appropriate controls.

Further duties include preparing and coordinating high-quality technical reports to meet internal, stakeholder, and regulatory requirements, reviewing work by others, managing and auditing contractors and contract documents, and participating in scheme and programme meetings. You will also contribute to environment team meetings, liaise with stakeholders and regulators, and update policies and briefings in response to changes in legislation, guidance, and best practice.

Experience
- Minimum of two Protected Species Survey Licences
- Demonstrable practical environmental experience in survey and mitigation, including supervision of works on site
- Experience obtaining and managing protected species licences
- Proven ability to train others and communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external audiences
- Robust knowledge of ecology relevant to South East England, including protected species, invasive non-native species, designated sites, and biodiversity net gain

About you
- Technically qualified environmentalist with a degree, HND, or equivalent work-related experience
- Full, clean driving licence with the ability to travel across the company region as required
- Strong advisory skills to influence design and project planning to minimise ecological impacts
- Ability to prepare and coordinate detailed technical reports to a high standard
- Proactive, organised, and able to manage multiple stakeholders and contractors effectively

Qualifications
- Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in a relevant environmental or ecological discipline
- At least two relevant Protected Species Survey Licences