Environmental Clerk of Works

Description

• Provide practical input on minor design changes or temporary works to reduce ecological impact and support delivery of biodiversity outcomes, including input to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery where requested.
• Supervise, undertake and quality-assure ecological surveys and inspections on site (e.g., for nesting birds, bats, reptiles, otter, badger, great crested newt, habitat condition checks) and maintain clear, auditable records.
• Support health & safety compliance on site and integrate ecological safeguards into contractor RAMS and permit-to-work systems.
• Act as first point of contact for unexpected protected species encounters or other ecological incidents, provide proportionate onsite solutions and escalate to licencing authorities as required to avoid programme delays.
• Provide day-to-day environmental and ecological supervision and monitoring on large-scale construction sites to ensure compliance with planning conditions, licence requirements and agreed mitigation.
• Deliver toolbox talks, ecological briefings and inductions for contractors and site operatives, translating ecological constraints into clear, actionable working methods.
• Implement and monitor exclusion zones, buffer areas and temporary protection measures; advise on remedial actions where breaches occur.
• Liaise proactively with clients, project teams, principal contractors, statutory agencies (e.g., Natural England, NatureScot), and local ecological stakeholders to maintain positive working relationships.
• Prepare concise, timely site visit reports, compliance audits and photographic records for clients and project files; contribute to CEMP/LEMP implementation and site-level ecological method statements.
• Mentor and supervise junior ECoWs and environmental technicians on site, promoting best practice and consistent standards across projects.

Requirements

• Proven experience working as an Environmental/ecological Clerk of Works or in a hands-on ecological consultancy role on large infrastructure, renewables or utilities projects.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel regionally with overnight stays when required.
• Experience of working under construction programmes and translating environmental constraints into pragmatic, deliverable mitigation measures.
• Protected species licences (e.g., bats, great crested newts) or demonstrable experience supporting licensed works.
• Ability to work independently on site, make rapid, defensible decisions under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Practical knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and statutory licensing processes (e.g., Wildlife & Countryside Act, Habitats Regulations) and experience working with statutory regulators.
• Strong practical field skills for protected species and habitat checks; experience delivering toolbox talks and contractor liaison.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills; confident engaging with contractors, clients and regulators.
• Membership (or eligibility) of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery and habitat creation monitoring.
• Good report writing and record-keeping skills with the ability to produce clear, timely site visit reports.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance