Principal Environmental Scientist

From 1 December 2025, our refreshed Pay and Reward package comes into effect,
bringing a new approach to how we recognise and reward roles across the Council. This means the
salary for this role will be changing. The pay range for this role will be £52,413 – £60,357
from 1 December 2025.

You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing
on our careers site on, ‘More than just a job’
brochure 

South West Flood & Coastal is a shared service between East
Devon District Council and BCP Council. We work
with our partners and communities to address the challenges of flooding and coastal erosion in
a changing climate. This has created exceptional professional opportunities to work in both
regions on exciting projects. Our geographical areas are renowned for their natural beauty,
with long stretches of beaches, complex cliffs, stunning landscapes and expansive national
parks.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Environmental Scientist who is a specialist in
environmental assessment and consenting, and ideally with knowledge of flood and coastal risk
management projects. The role will provide leadership of environmental assessment and
consenting across the South West Flood & Coastal portfolio of projects. Key
responsibilities will include:

• Taking a leading role in delivering the Jurassic Coast FCERM Mitigation Study, which will
  develop new guidance on how to undertake environmental impact assessment of potential impacts
  of current and future coastal defences on the World Heritage Site’s Outstanding Universal Value
  features, and approaches for how those impacts can be avoided or mitigated.
• Leading the provision of expert environmental inputs to support delivery of capital and
  maintenance works, including advising opportunities for Natural Flood Management and Ecological
  Enhancements.
• Supporting the Holes Bay Saltmarsh Restoration Project and seeking the develop this into a
  broader opportunity to deliver a long-term programme of saltmarsh restoration in Poole Harbour
  and potentially Christchurch Harbour.
• Developing a programme of environmental monitoring to ensure timely evidence is provided
  for the forward pipeline of FCERM projects.
• Mentoring and developing junior staff and growing the environmental assessment, consenting
  and monitoring capabilities of the service.

To deliver the above, we are seeking an individual with excellent knowledge and experience of:

• the relevant environmental legislation and consenting processes and requirements for plans
  and projects in England;
• the work practices, processes and procedures for undertaking the range of work required of
  this role;
• delivering environmental assessment for a range of projects, from strategic level studies
  to schemes, including Strategic Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment, and
  Habitat Regulations Assessment; and
• working in areas of extensive environmental designations and gaining approval of statutory
  bodies.

The role will sit within the Strategy, Policy & Environment Team which currently has 10
members of staff with a diverse range of skills and experience. South West Flood & Coastal
has just under 40 staff, ranging from early career professionals through to sector leading
subject matter experts covering all areas of flooding and coastal erosion. You will have the
opportunity to collaborate with other industry experts and share your expertise to help develop
flood and coastal risk managers of the future, build a legacy and demonstrate the value of our
work nationally.

Applications from professionals across the South West region are welcome. We promote hybrid and
remote (with infrequent office attendance) working, have office space available at both BCP
(Bournemouth and Poole) and East Devon District Council (Honiton, Exmouth and Sidmouth). The
service has an inclusive and positive culture. The role operates under smarter working guidance
providing clear objectives and deadlines and giving you the control to find work/life balance
that meets service needs and your personal commitments and interests.

The employee benefits include a great pension package, various salary sacrifice and benefits
schemes, and a generous leave offer, further details visit: Colleague benefits and support BCP.

BCP Council is currently simplifying terms and conditions of service and creating a single
equitable pay structure which all employees will move on to as from 1 Dec (and as advertised).
The employee benefits package is enhanced – please make contact if you wish to discuss.