Environmental Advisor

Southern Water; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services company is seeking an Environmental Advisor to manage environmental risks throughout project delivery and provide expert technical support. This role requires a relevant degree, a full UK driving licence, and strong organizational skills. Responsibilities include conducting environmental assessments, preparing detailed reports, and engaging with stakeholders. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth within infrastructure projects involving considerable investment in sustainability.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence is essential due to site travel.
• Experience working with environmental specialists or contributing to environmental appraisals.
• Some field activities may require flexibility in working hours.

Responsibilities

• Undertake environmental assessments.
• Prepare accurate reports with reasoned arguments supported by evidence.
• Contribute to effective stakeholder management.
• Solve problems including designing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Ensure high standards in producing own work.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Communication skills

Independence on technical matters

Competence in MS Office

Understanding of UK environmental legislation

Experience in environmental appraisals

Education

Relevant Environmental degree

Post-graduate qualification in related Environmental discipline

Job description

Environmental Advisor

Location: Falmer (Brighton), Hybrid working model – 2 days per week in the office or on site
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Salary: Up to £45,000 depending on experience

About the Role

Environmental Advisors provide project level environmental risk management to support the design, maintenance and construction of a wide range of projects. Working within the Enabling Team in Engineering Technical Services (ETS) the role involves providing expert specialist technical support to projects from design conception to construction completion; providing practical solutions to ensure environmental risks are managed through Project Delivery, as well as seeking opportunities to enhance the man-made and natural environment. Environmental advice and support is also given to the broader business when requested.

What You Will Be Responsible For

• Undertake environmental assessments
• Accurate report preparation, including reasoned arguments supported by evidence as required
• Contribute to effective and demonstrable stakeholder management to ensure “buy in” from stakeholders and environmental regulators
• Responsible for producing own work to a high standard
• With senior staff support, solve problems including designing appropriate mitigation strategies
• Work will require travel in the UK to office and / or sites
• The role will entail some field work and may require out of hours (early morning, evening and weekend) working
• Undertake own continuing professional development under guidance from line managers

Additional Requirements Specific To The Role

• Some field activities may require flexibility in working hours (early mornings, evenings or weekends)
• A full UK driving licence is essential due to site travel

Essential

What you’ll bring to the role

• A relevant Environmental degree
• Post‑graduate qualification in a related Environmental discipline
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently on technical matters
• Competence in MS Office
• Understanding of UK environmental legislation, policy and guidance
• Experience working with environmental specialists or contributing to environmental appraisals
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Professional membership (associate or chartered) with a relevant body such as IES or IESPE
• Experience supporting Environmental Impact Assessments
• Technical experience in areas such as landscape, noise, odour, water or air quality, waste, nuisance, or planning

Progression opportunities

You will have opportunities to grow your expertise within ETS, develop toward chartership, and expand your responsibilities across more complex and high‑profile infrastructure projects.

About Southern Water

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025–30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where professionals can make real impact, influence strategic decisions, and drive long‑term value.

Inclusive & empowering statement

At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)

Our commitment to diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.