Ecologist | Coventry

Here at Severn Trent Water we are committed to deliver an ambitious programme of habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement. Over the next 7 years we are aiming to create or enhance biodiversity on 5,000 ha’s of land in our region. We have also pledged to plant over 1.3 million trees over the next 10 years. As an Ecologist you will work with our Biodiversity and Ecology team to support our AMP7 Great Big Nature Boost programme as well as looking after our SSSIs. In this role, you will also form part of the team who works alongside our project partners and Catchment Based Approach groups to aid delivery of the Water Framework Directive. In the role you will also act as an ambassador for our work – using your skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to engage customers, partners and stakeholders with the positive steps we are taking to improve wildlife and the wider environment in our region. You will ensure that Severn Trent is recognized as a high-profile champion, steward and leader for the natural environment.

We are looking for someone who has a working knowledge of opportunities and challenges which are currently facing species and habitat conservation along with a knowledge of the relevant policies and legislation which relate. Also you have been used to providing ecological advice to project designers and civil engineers that will come in handy as we work with a number of these. Experience of compiling ecological surveys and impact assessments with a knowing of the design and implementation of ecological mitigation will help you tremendously in the role, as will working with domestic and European Protected Species (bats, badgers, great crested newts). Working with internal and external stakeholders who hold differing levels of ecological awareness and priorities is also always a bonus. We would also like you to have a knowledge of the different environmental policy frameworks that operate in England and Wales and be able to bring specialist biodiversity and wider environmental knowledge relating to Severn Trent Water’s operating area. A working knowledge of GIS will be a real advantage as would a wide knowledge of the water industry. This would be great if it included regulatory, statutory and legal obligations that need to be adhered to. If you did have an understanding of the economic regulation of the industry including ODIs and PCs that would also be really beneficial.

In order to succeed in this role, it is expected that you will:
• Proficient in habitat surveying including NVC classification.
• Proficient Species identification and mitigation skills including protected species.
• Willingness to travel
• Good communication and IT skills (word, excel, PowerPoint) and an ability to communicate opportunities and risks effectively within the business.
• Effective problem solving skills and an ability to develop robust ecological enhancement / mitigation as part of multi-disciplinary projects delivering to regulatory timescales.
• An inquiring mind set with an enthusiasm for seeking out information and opportunities with internal stakeholders and externally to develop partnerships that help achieve our biodiversity and wider environmental ambitions.

For this role we are ideally looking for you to have:-
• Honours degree in ecology or closely related field
• Graduate membership of appropriate professional body
• Full current UK driving license
• Full membership of professional body
• A high-level understanding of the water industry and the periodic review process.

• Salary of between £27,485 to £41,227
• 28 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/ sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme
• Fantastic Pension scheme – The company contribution will be twice your contribution (Up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Comprehensive flexible benefits scheme including Gymflex, Dental and Critical Illness Insurance and our Technology Scheme where you can spread payment for a variety of Technology purchases
• A chance to save up to £500 per month for three or five years, with the option to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate

This is full time role based on an 37 hour week working Monday to Friday. Your base location will be Severn Trent Centre, Coventry with the expectation to travel to different sites.

At Severn Trent, we’re here to take care of one of life’s essentials. We bring our wonderful water to our customers whilst taking their waste away safely, so that they can put the kettle on or jump in the shower without a second thought. As one of the largest regulated water companies across England and Wales, we really want to make a positive difference to the communities we serve. We have some really big commitments to our customers, our environment, our society and our colleagues that we know, can only be achieved through our inclusive and energetic culture. Does this sound like somewhere you want to make a difference?