Environmental Advisor

Job Title: Environmental Advisor
Location: Falmer, East Sussex (Hybrid, 2 days pw) -–occasional travelling to offices and project sites across the UK Southern Water Network as required
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37, Monday to Friday
Salary: Up to £45,000; depending on skills and experience

There has never been a more important time to join Southern Water. We are delivering one of the most ambitious capital investment programmes in the industry, focused on improving environmental performance, service resilience and long‑term affordability for customers.

About the role

As an Environmental Advisor, you’ll play a key role in managing environmental risk at project level, supporting the design, maintenance and construction of a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects. Working within the Enabling Team in Engineering Technical Services (ETS), you’ll provide expert environmental guidance from early design through to construction completion, advising on all environmental topic areas with the support from technical specialists. This role is not suitable for those with a sustainability. ecology or carbon career focus.

You will help the project team navigate environmental legislation and regulation, deliver practical mitigation solutions and identify opportunities to enhance both the built and natural environment. In addition to project support, you’ll also provide environmental advice to the wider business as required—making this a varied, visible and impactful role.

What you will be responsible for

• Undertaking environmental assessments across a range of projects.
• Producing clear, accurate reports, including well‑reasoned conclusions supported by evidence.
• With support from senior colleagues, solving complex environmental challenges and developing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Actively managing your own continuing professional development, with guidance from your line manager.

What you’ll bring to the role

We’re looking for someone who combines environmental knowledge with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills but most importantly, a deep passion for the environment.

• Degree qualified in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Geography, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability or a related environmental discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification and/or membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. ISEP/CIWEMIEMA) would be advantageous.
• 4 or more years’ experience in an environmental assessment role.– not sustainability, ecology or carbon management
• Strong organisational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative on technical matters.
• Have technical skill in relevant specialist fields, and/or in engaging and managing specialists undertaking relevant studies, e.g. landscape, noise, odour assessment, water/air quality, waste, nuisance, planning etc..
• Experience of being part of a team of environmental scientists and specialists in preparing environmental appraisals and also preferably Environmental Impact Assessments.
• Build key relationships with Local Authorities, contractors, consultants, Enabling Team –environmental advisors, ecologists, planners, design engineers, project management, Strategy Leads.
• A solid understanding of UK environmental legislation, policy and guidance.
• Experience working with environmental specialists or contributing to environmental appraisals.