Environmental Clerk of Works

CompanyRPS

LocationAbingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom

Posted At12/18/2025

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Occupation Type

Construction project managers and related professionals

Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£44,300 (£22.72 per hour)

Occupation rate applies

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Description

ROLE PURPOSE

As an Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW) within RPS’s Ecology team, you will provide practical, on-site environmental and ecological support to our clients across renewables, infrastructure and utilities during pre-construction, construction and early post-construction phases.

You will ensure delivery of environmental and ecological mitigation, compliance with planning conditions and licences, and effective communication between contractors, project managers and statutory consultees. You will represent RPS on site, lead ecological supervision, provide rapid technical advice to avoid delays, and ensure high quality reporting and record-keeping to protect biodiversity and reputations.

Key Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day environmental and ecological supervision and monitoring on large-scale construction sites to ensure compliance with planning conditions, licence requirements and agreed mitigation.
Deliver toolbox talks, ecological briefings and inductions for contractors and site operatives, translating ecological constraints into clear, actionable working methods.
Supervise, undertake and quality-assure ecological surveys and inspections on site (e.g., for nesting birds, bats, reptiles, otter, badger, great crested newt, habitat condition checks) and maintain clear, auditable records.

Implement and monitor exclusion zones, buffer areas and temporary protection measures; advise on remedial actions where breaches occur.

Act as first point of contact for unexpected protected species encounters or other ecological incidents, provide proportionate onsite solutions and escalate to licencing authorities as required to avoid programme delays.

Prepare concise, timely site visit reports, compliance audits and photographic records for clients and project files; contribute to CEMP/LEMP implementation and site-level ecological method statements.

Liaise proactively with clients, project teams, principal contractors, statutory agencies (e.g., Natural England, NatureScot), and local ecological stakeholders to maintain positive working relationships.

Provide practical input on minor design changes or temporary works to reduce ecological impact and support delivery of biodiversity outcomes, including input to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery where requested.

Support health & safety compliance on site and integrate ecological safeguards into contractor RAMS and permit-to-work systems.

Mentor and supervise junior ECoWs and environmental technicians on site, promoting best practice and consistent standards across projects.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Membership (or eligibility) of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
Proven experience working as an Environmental/ecological Clerk of Works or in a hands-on ecological consultancy role on large infrastructure, renewables or utilities projects.
Strong practical field skills for protected species and habitat checks; experience delivering toolbox talks and contractor liaison.
Practical knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and statutory licensing processes (e.g., Wildlife & Countryside Act, Habitats Regulations) and experience working with statutory regulators.
Experience of working under construction programmes and translating environmental constraints into pragmatic, deliverable mitigation measures.
Good report writing and record-keeping skills with the ability to produce clear, timely site visit reports.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills; confident engaging with contractors, clients and regulators.
Ability to work independently on site, make rapid, defensible decisions under pressure and manage competing priorities.

Full driving licence and willingness to travel regionally with overnight stays when required.

Desirable

Protected species licences (e.g., bats, great crested newts) or demonstrable experience supporting licensed works.
Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery and habitat creation monitoring.

Salary And Benefits

GIS/mapping skills or experience using mobile data-capture tools.

Contributory Pension Scheme.

Life Assurance.

Flexible benefits including options to buy additional holidays and private health care.

Flexible working hours and location options to support work-life balance.

Company vehicle allowance or pool vehicle access for site duties (role-dependent).

Supportive mentoring, career development and training opportunities across a growing, multi-disciplinary ecology team.

About Rps

RPS is a global environmental consultancy committed to inclusive, high-quality delivery that protects people and habitats. Our UK ecology team works across renewables, infrastructure and utilities, delivering practical, compliant and innovative solutions that help clients progress projects while delivering measurable biodiversity benefits. We value respect, professional development and collaboration, and provide the resources and support for EnvCoWs to operate effectively on complex construction programmes.

If you meet at least 75% of the criteria and are passionate about making a positive impact through ecology consultancy, we would love to hear from you.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list and any submitted will be taken as a gift. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.