Supporting the lives of people and places they love for generations to come is our purpose and providing water services to our communities in the most efficient and sustainable way possible is what we do. Our commitment is to always deliver available and sufficient resources, this is what drives the Drought and Resilience Team and in doing so we want to ensure that we enhance our reputation with our customers, regulators and stakeholders. So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We are looking for a Fisheries and Biodiversity Advisor to join the Water Resources Environment team, the successful candidate will provide specialist advice on protecting, restoring, and enhancing fisheries and biodiversity to support the delivery of a sustainable and resilient water supply within Pennon Group. You will join us on a full time, permanent basis with a salary of £35,000 - £42,000 depending on experience.
About the role:
The role will support the Fisheries and Biodiversity Manager and provide expert, technical advice and insight to the Water Resources function on freshwater fisheries ecology. The role holder will build strong collaborative relationships with both internal and external stakeholders which will involve working closely with colleagues across the Pennon Group, the Environment Agency and Natural England teams, as well as the rivers trusts and local angling interest groups across the Pennon area.
This role requires a strong understanding of freshwater fisheries ecological principles, fisheries management, conservation strategies, project and stakeholder management skills.
What you'll be doing:
- Provide specialist fisheries and biodiversity advice and guidance to internal teams on ecological issues related to day-to-day water operations.
- Provide specialist fisheries and biodiversity advice and guidance on our planned programmes of work such as the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), our long-term Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) and our Drought Plan
- Provide technical support on the development and delivery of; fisheries impact assessments, barriers to migration assessments, habitat enhancement schemes and environmental monitoring programmes.
- Review, assess and provide feedback on consultancy delivered work such as monitoring programmes, technical reports, feasibility studies, options appraisals, technical designs and habitat enhancement schemes.
- Collaborate and lead communications with regulatory agencies, conservation groups, consultancies and other key stakeholders.
- Develop both internal and external stakeholder relationships that are essential to the successful delivery of our work.
- Help influence our stakeholders at both a regional and national level to drive forward Pennon’s ambition in environmental leadership.
- Support on the development of technical resilience within the Water Resources team through mentoring / training / guiding as appropriate.
What we are looking for:
- Relevant scientific or fisheries related degree or post graduate environmental qualification in a relevant field such as IFM Diploma
- Membership of a suitable professional body (e.g. IFM, CIEEM, CIWEM) would be desirable
- Extensive technical knowledge and experience of fisheries management, ecology and the ecological requirements of freshwater habitats and species.
- A good understanding of salmonid fish species, their life cycle and habitat requirements.
- Knowledge of UK legislation and government policies relating to wildlife and the environment.
- Experience of in-river management techniques and habitat restoration project delivery.
- Familiarity with water resource management practices in the water industry.
- Practical experience/working knowledge of environmental monitoring surveys.
- Project management experience, and ability to juggle workload to ensure the quality of deliverables and timelines does not sli
We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.
In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
A discretionary Bonus
Competitive Contributory Pension
Share-save Scheme
Various health benefits
Wellbeing support programmes
A range of Group Discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme
Financial support services
And plenty more!
This role will involve working both within an office setting as well as outside to complete surveys and site visits of the companies’ assets. If you are excited by a genuine opportunity to help, support and improve the environment this could be the role for you. Closing date: 18th April 2025
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values which are essential to our success are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
What We Do
South West Water is part of Pennon Group plc. We provide reliable, efficient and high quality drinking water and waste water services throughout Cornwall and Devon and in small areas of Dorset and Somerset. We also look after the region's bathing waters and coastline.
South West Water came into being in 1989 with the privatisation of the water industry. We inherited a water system suffering from a century of neglect but, thanks to the tireless work of our 1,300 employees, have brought the region's drinking water, sewerage systems and bathing waters into line with the stringent UK and European Union standards.
This extensive programme of environmental improvement has resulted in some of the finest bathing waters in Europe, picturesque scenery and clean rivers with stunning wildlife.
We believe that by investing in the future of our region, we are not only improving the quality of life for today's residents and visitors but are also taking responsibility for future generations.
