Ecologist

We have an exciting new vacancy for an Ecologist to join our Environment and Planning Services
team within our Sustainable Operations and Engineering department. 

If you are looking for a role that has a focus on our local environment, and you love engaging
with equally passionate people, then we want to hear from you!

You will be encouraged to have a voice, be free-thinking and empowered, while also working in a
high-performing team and having a genuine opportunity to make an impact.

Although based in Bath, this role will require you to travel throughout the Wessex Water region
on a regular basis. We also offer flexible working, allowing you to work from home some of the
time, if preferred, as well as in our office.

What you’ll do

Our in-house Environment and Planning Services team, which includes the Ecology team, provides
a wide range of services to facilitate project delivery for engineering, construction and
operational projects.

The Ecology team supports a diverse range of projects and enjoys the satisfaction of working on
and influencing their projects from outline design through to completion.

Supporting our agreed rolling five-year programmes of work and working closely with our
In-house Design teams, our Ecologists spend most of their time doing the ecology work they love
and enjoy an excellent work/life balance. Supporting fee proposals is not a feature of this
role.

You will manage a portfolio of individual projects from initial design through to construction.
You will work closely with Design Engineers and Project Managers to minimise the ecological
impacts and risks of projects.

You will deliver a range of services, including ecological surveys, ecological impact
assessment, protected species work, and mitigation and construction support.

What you’ll need

You will have a degree in ecology or a similar related subject. Typically, you will also have
at least three years of similar experience in a project delivery-focused role.

You will have:

• experience in habitat mapping (UKHab) and protected species appraisal surveys
• a practical and pragmatic understanding of habitat and protected species mitigation
• good ecological report writing skills
• an understanding of the UK planning process and legal framework
• experience working proactively with engineering teams throughout design and construction
• a proactive and flexible approach with a focus on successful project delivery
• good IT skills and experience in GIS systems (ArcGIS).

It would also be advantageous if you:

• hold one or more protected species survey licences (great crested newts or bats)
• hold one or more protected species mitigation licences (great crested newts, badgers, water
  voles or bats)
• have experience in writing ecological impact assessments and habitat regulations
  assessments.

You will be required to travel around our region, which in some cases can be very rural, so a
full clean driving licence is essential. This role includes a car allowance or entitlement to a
company car.

What you’ll receive

• Hybrid working.
• Total pension contributions up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days’ holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days’ holiday and sell up to five every year.
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• A new electric car in exchange for part of your gross salary.
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• Paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• An interactive health and wellbeing platform.

Who we are

We are one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9
million people across the South West.

The work we do goes beyond providing an essential public service. We also aim to have a
positive impact on the communities we serve and the natural environment.

Our people tell us Wessex Water is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay
with us! You will have the opportunity to develop and progress your career, while also
receiving health and wellbeing support.

We also continue to promote diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are
welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability
Confident Employer.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us and if you would like to be part of our journey, we
would love to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to let us know about any additional support
you may need.

Sound interesting? Apply to start your application.