SRO Environment Specialist

Environment Specialist – Strategic Resource Option (SRO) Programme

South West Water, part of Pennon Group, values sustainability and works to protect the environment. The Strategic Resource Options (SRO) Programme focuses on water security and environmental stewardship across the West Country. We are seeking an experienced SRO Environment Specialist to lead environmental assessments and secure compliance for complex water resource projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate environmental and ecological surveys across the West Country.
• Produce and review high‑quality environmental assessments and reports.
• Lead or contribute to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Environmental Statements, and related statutory documentation.
• Lead or review environmental assessments, including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance, natural capital, and invasive or non‑native species assessments.
• Ensure projects meet UK environmental laws and best practice.
• Work with regulators to secure environmental approvals and keep projects on track.
• Contribute to option appraisals, risk assessments, and strategic decision‑making.
• Support alignment of environmental planning with water resource strategies.
• Help drive long‑term environmental improvements across the region.
• Build strong working relationships across internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Engage with key external bodies including Natural England, Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, and environmental organisations.
• Provide technical expertise to influence programme outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience supporting or leading environmental aspects of large infrastructure or water resource projects.
• Strong knowledge of BNG, HRA, WFD, and UK EIA regulations, ideally within the water sector.
• Experience delivering robust environmental assessments, including data analysis and reporting.
• Experience working with environmental regulators to deliver successful outcomes.
• Understanding of water resource planning, drought resilience, and Strategic Resource Options.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, high‑quality reports.
• Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Environmental Planning, or related discipline (essential).
• Chartered membership (CIWEM, CIEEM or equivalent) or working towards (essential).
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject (desirable).
• Hydrological, environmental or ecological survey experience (additional requirement).
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the region.
• GIS skills and/or protected species licence (desirable).
• Experience within the UK water industry (desirable).

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and technical capability.
• Collaborative and proactive approach.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex programme environment.
• Passion for environmental protection and sustainable infrastructure.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and expertise.
• Annual bonus scheme linked to company performance.
• Pension scheme.
• Flexible working options, including hybrid working where possible.
• Healthcare support – employee assistance and wellbeing programmes.
• Employee discounts on products and services.
• Generous annual leave.

Position is open until 12 July 2026, although we may close early if a high volume of applications is received. Successful candidates will undergo mandatory DBS checks.

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