Nature Based Solutions Specialist

Southern Water; Otterbourne; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Water is seeking a Nature-based Solutions Specialist to join the Environment & Innovation team in Hampshire. The role blends desk and field work, supporting catchment management strategies and regulatory commitments across a broad 5–50 year planning horizon.

You will evaluate environmental nature-based measures, advise on ecology, policy and development, and help drive sustainable solutions with cross-functional teams. Hybrid work pattern offered.

Qualifications

• Expertise in ecology, river and wetland restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and regulatory directives.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality technical reports.
• Ability to complete multi-disciplinary tasks on time to a high standard.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work under pressure.
• Experience coordinating delivery via subcontracted consultants.
• Knowledge of regulatory programmes such as WINEP is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of regulatory programme and visually manage investigations, impact assessments and compliance across projects.
• Provide technical evaluation and recommendations on nature-based measures to mitigate environmental challenges.
• Offer Nature-based Solutions advice relating to ecology, planning and development to the wider business.
• Contribute to industry forums promoting Southern Water’s Catchment First approach.

Skills

Ecology

River restoration

Biodiversity enhancement

Habitats Directive

Water Framework Directive

Planning & Development

Technical report writing

Presentation skills

Problem solving under pressure

Contractor management

Job description

Closing Date: 2026-10-02

Job Title: Nature-based Solutions Specialist

Location: Within the Hampshire region (Hybrid/Flexible)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37, Monday to Friday

Salary: £45-48,000, depending on skills and experience

As part of Southern Water’s drive to enhance and protect the environment, the Environment & Innovation team are deploying the latest innovative solutions and working in partnership with our customers and stakeholders. The team takes a holistic approach to managing water quality and flow across the region, with a portfolio that has rapidly expanded from £50 million to over £2 billion in the next 10-year period. This is a fast-paced team that is now expanding to continue to deliver a larger programme of new and sustainable solutions.

A brand-new position has been created to join our Environment & Innovation team as a Nature-based Solutions Specialist.

About The Role

Working within the Environment & Innovation department, this is a critical role underpinning the implementation of our Catchment Management strategies, which influence our 5 to 50 year strategic plans. The catchment management programme is driving environmental benefit via the delivery of our regulatory commitments such as the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) and statutory plans such as the Water Resource Management Plan, Drought Plan and Water Resources South East. The role will include a blend of desk and field-based work, with opportunities for site visits and on-site work across the chalk streams of Hampshire.

What You Will Be Responsible For

• You will support delivery of our regulatory programme, supporting the Principal Nature-based Solutions Specialist to technically manage implementation, delivery and reporting our regulatory investigations, impact assessments, ecological schemes and compliance requirements.
• You will be responsible for undertaking technical evaluation / recommendations on environmental nature-based measures that will likely be needed to mitigate predicted environmental challenges from our operations.
• You will provide Nature-based Solutions advice to the wider business in relation to ecology, planning and development, environmental policy etc.
• You will contribute to industry forums promoting Southern Waters Catchment First approach.

What You’ll Bring To The Role

• Demonstrable expertise in ecology, river / wetland restoration, biodiversity enhancement, Habitats Directive, Water Framework Directive, planning and development.
• Proven expertise of technical report writing.
• The ability to demonstrate the completion of quality multi-disciplinary tasks on time to a consistent & high standard.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure is essential.
• Experience managing delivery of technical work via sub-contracted consultancy teams.

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 senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.

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.

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.

Additional Information

In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all preemployment checks, including security vetting.

Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.