Southern Water
Private UK utility supplying drinking water and treating wastewater across southern England.
21 hours ago
$48,000 - $48,000
Intermediate (4-7 years), Expert & Leadership (13+ years), Experienced (8-12 years)
Full Time
Lewes, England, United Kingdom | Worthington, Minnesota, United States
Hybrid
Company Size
2,092 Employees
Service Specialisms
Sector Specialisms
Description
biodiversity surveys
inns mapping
project implementation
biosecurity measures
stakeholder communication
site visits
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.
Requirements
nature conservation
project delivery
ecological monitoring
gis
microsoft office
communication
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.
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.
Training + Development
Interview process
Visa Sponsorship
Security clearance
Overview
2.25 million
Customers Served
Serving 2.25 million customers since privatisation in 1989.
0.5 GL
Drinking Water Pumped
Pumps over 0.5 GL of drinking water daily.
£72m loss
Operating Loss
Experienced a £72 million operating loss in March 2024 due to rising costs.
- Constructs reservoirs, pipelines, sewage treatment upgrades, and implements contingency measures like importing water during droughts.
- Specializes in large-scale water infrastructure, operational delivery, and environmental engineering across the South East.
- Notably fined for misreporting sewage spills; offers guided tours of Victorian sewers and public access to historic reservoirs.
Culture + Values
- “Working differently” – using new technology and nature‑based solutions
- “Collaborating with community partners”
- “Showing leadership on key environmental issues”
- “Engaging with customers, stakeholders and partners to maximise opportunities”
Environment + Sustainability
24% by 2025
Renewable Energy Target
Target to generate 24% of own renewable energy by 2025.
75% by 2035
Storm Overflow Compliance
Aiming to achieve 75% compliance by 2035 to reduce storm overflow spills.
£7.8B Capital Plan
Environmental Investments
£7.8 billion capital plan from 2025-2030 focusing on new technology and nature-based solutions.
Three‑Star EPA
Environment Agency Rating
Aiming for a three-star Environment Agency rating by 2025 following a two-star rating in 2022.
- On track to generate own renewable energy and buying accredited renewable energy since 2021.
- Fleet electrification targets: cars/vans by 2035, HGVs via low-carbon fuels by 2040.
- Investing £1.5 billion in Clean Rivers & Seas to reduce storm overflow spills and achieve full compliance by 2050.
Inclusion & Diversity
- No publicly available strategic DEI goals or gender‑related statistics found