Southern Water
Private UK utility supplying drinking water and treating wastewater across southern England.
Biodiversity Specialist (Ecology / INNS)
Support biodiversity projects, surveys, and INNS management across Southern Water's region.
Job Highlights
About the Role
Reporting to the Principal and Senior Biodiversity Specialists, the post will identify, plan and deliver practical, site‑based biodiversity projects that meet Southern Water’s AMP8 Biodiversity Performance Commitment and the Water Industry Natural Environment Programme (WINEP) INNS programme. Key duties include seeking opportunities to enhance biodiversity on Southern Water’s estate and partner sites, conducting ecological and INNS surveys, ensuring accurate mapping and data recording, and collaborating with internal teams, NGOs, partner organisations and community groups to implement projects and biosecurity measures. • Identify and pursue biodiversity enhancement opportunities on Southern Water estates and partner sites. • Conduct ecological and INNS surveys, producing accurate maps and data records. • Collaborate with internal teams, NGOs, partners and community groups to deliver biodiversity and INNS projects. • Implement INNS control measures and biosecurity programmes across sites. • Deliver training initiatives to raise biodiversity and INNS awareness within the company. • Communicate effectively with stakeholders, partnerships and volunteers. • Travel weekly across the region for site visits and meetings. • Contribute to Southern Water’s AMP8 Biodiversity Commitment and WINEP INNS programme. • Support 24/7 incident response rotas as required.
Key Responsibilities
- ▸biodiversity surveys
- ▸inns mapping
- ▸project implementation
- ▸biosecurity measures
- ▸stakeholder communication
- ▸site visits
What You Bring
The successful candidate will have a strong background in nature conservation and practical project delivery, preferably within local authority, infrastructure or ecological consultancy settings, and demonstrable experience managing ecological monitoring, biodiversity enhancement and terrestrial or aquatic INNS programmes. Excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, proficiency with Microsoft Office, GIS and other digital tools, and a willingness to travel weekly across the region for site visits are required. • Hold a strong background in nature conservation and practical project delivery (e.g., local authority, infrastructure, consultancy). • Demonstrate expertise in ecological/botanical monitoring, biodiversity enhancement and terrestrial/aquatic INNS management. • Work independently and collaboratively while proficient in Microsoft Office, GIS and digital applications.
Requirements
- ▸nature conservation
- ▸project delivery
- ▸ecological monitoring
- ▸gis
- ▸microsoft office
- ▸communication
Benefits
The Biodiversity Specialist role is a permanent, full‑time position (37 hours, Monday‑Friday) based flexibly within Southern Water’s region, with hybrid working across office, site and home. The salary is approximately £48,000, dependent on experience. Southern Water is investing £7.8 billion between 2025‑30 to boost resilience, sustainability and service excellence, offering a unique chance to influence strategic decisions and drive long‑term value creation. • Salary circa £48,000, hybrid flexible working and full‑time (37 hrs) contract. • Benefit from a diverse, inclusive workplace that offers reasonable adjustments and flexible working where possible.
Work Environment
Hybrid