EIA Soil Consultant[1125959]

ADAS; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a formal process used to identify and evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed development before it is approved. It ensures that decision-makers consider environmental impacts alongside economic and social factors. Your role will involve contributing to EIA documents, particularly in assessing how developments might affect agricultural land, soil health, and sustainable land use.

A Development Consent Order (DCO) is the planning consent required for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) under the Planning Act 2008. This streamlined process combines planning permission and a range of other consents into a single approval mechanism. You will contribute to DCO applications by supplying environmental information and specialist input related to soils and agriculture.

You will provide specialist advice to inform project design, aiming to reduce soil degradation and the loss of productive agricultural land. This will include helping identify sensitive soil types, advising on best practices for soil management, and supporting strategies to minimise long-term impacts on land use.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the preparation and delivery of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), focusing on agriculture and soil topics.
• Work closely with planners, engineers, and other environmental specialists to provide advice on land use and soil protection during the design, construction, operation and decommissioning phases.
• Contribute to Development Consent Order (DCO) applications, a key part of the planning process for major infrastructure projects in the UK.
• Undertake baseline surveys, desk-based research, impact assessments, and contribute to environmental statements.
• Help develop and implement practical mitigation measures to reduce the impact on soils and agricultural productivity.
• Produce clear, well-structured, and technically robust environmental reports and supporting documentation.
• Learn and apply national and local policies relevant to soil conservation and agricultural land classification (ALC).
• Assist with field surveys (e.g. soil surveys and other environmental and agricultural surveys).

Attributes Required

• A degree in environmental science, geography, agriculture, soil science, or a related field.
• No prior experience required; however, familiarity with environmental planning, soils, or land use assessment is desirable.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Keen interest in environmental protection, land management, and infrastructure development.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-paced, multidisciplinary project environment.
• Ability to understand and communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner in English.
• Good computer literate with the ability to use Microsoft office programs including Sharepoint, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Be able to work outside in all weather conditions on rough terrain.
• Willingness and ability to work as part of a team.
• Full driving licence and own transport.
• Ability to develop skills with a view of registration with a professional body if not already e.g British Society Soil Science.

Other Desirable Attributes

Knowledge of the following points would be beneficial:

• Previous experience with Environmental Impact Assessments
• Understand the IEMA guidelines
• Experience in multi-disciplinary working and broad environmental sector experience
• An understanding of UK legislation and guidelines relevant to planning and construction.
• An awareness of current challenges facing farmers and land managers in terms of environmental, policy and financial issues
• Have experience of soil surveying and knowledge of Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)

Car and expenses

• When required to work at locations which require you to stay away from home the company will pay subsistence and accommodation rates within normal company policies.
• Mileage rate of 45p per mile for the use of own vehicle, subject to having the necessary business insurance cover.

Salary and benefits:

• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Life assurance
• We encourage Continuing Professional Development
• A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays, health cash plan and discounted gym membership

.

#Agriculture #EnvironmentalScience #Consultancy