Senior Environmental Advisor

The Senior Environmental Advisor is responsible for providing professional environmental support and guidance to operational teams, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, client requirements and company standards across infrastructure, utilities, power transmission and distribution, telecommunications and construction projects.

The role will support the delivery of environmental objectives, maintain ISO 14001 compliance, drive continual improvement initiatives and provide subject matter expertise on environmental risk management, sustainability, biodiversity and environmental compliance.

The Senior Environmental Advisor will act as a trusted advisor to project teams, clients and stakeholders, helping to ensure environmental risks are effectively managed throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Compliance

Provide competent environmental advice and guidance to operational and project teams.
Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, permits, licences and client requirements.
Support compliance with:
Environmental Protection Act 1990
Environment Act 2021
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Water Resources Act 1991
Environmental Permitting Regulations
Waste Regulations and Duty of Care requirements
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Control of Pollution Act 1974
Monitor environmental compliance performance across assigned projects.
Support investigations into environmental incidents, complaints and non-conformances.

Project Support

Support projects from tender through to completion.
Review and assist in the preparation of:
Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs)
Environmental Risk Assessments
Method Statements
Waste Management Plans
Pollution Prevention Plans
Site Environmental Action Plans
Attend project meetings and provide environmental guidance.
Support operational teams in implementing environmental controls.

Environmental Assurance

Conduct environmental inspections, audits and assurance reviews.
Monitor environmental performance and compliance against company standards.
Verify implementation of environmental controls on site.
Identify opportunities for improvement and support corrective actions.
Produce environmental inspection and audit reports.

Environmental Incident Management

Support the investigation of environmental incidents and near misses.
Undertake root cause analysis and develop corrective and preventative actions.
Track actions through to completion.
Identify trends and provide recommendations for improvement.
Support regulatory reporting requirements where necessary.

Sustainability & Environmental Improvement

Support sustainability and environmental improvement programmes.
Assist with carbon reduction initiatives and Net Zero objectives.
Promote waste minimisation, resource efficiency and pollution prevention.
Support biodiversity enhancement and environmental stewardship initiatives.
Encourage adoption of environmental best practice across projects.

Biodiversity & Ecology

Support compliance with ecological and biodiversity requirements.
Assist with Biodiversity Net Gain obligations where applicable.
Liaise with ecological consultants and specialist advisors.
Monitor implementation of ecological mitigation measures.
Support habitat protection and enhancement activities.

Environmental Management Systems

Support maintenance of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.
Assist with internal and external audits.
Contribute to development of environmental procedures, standards and guidance.
Support legal compliance evaluations.
Ensure environmental records and documentation are maintained.

Training & Engagement

Deliver environmental awareness briefings and toolbox talks.
Support environmental training programmes.
Coach and mentor Environmental Advisors and operational personnel.
Promote environmental best practice and shared learning.
Participate in environmental campaigns and initiatives.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Develop effective working relationships with:
Clients
Regulators
Local Authorities
Environmental Consultants
Operational Teams
Attend client meetings and environmental reviews.
Support framework and tender submissions with environmental content., Environmental compliance across allocated projects.
Delivery of environmental inspections and audits.
Effective implementation of environmental management plans.
Timely closure of environmental actions.
Environmental incident reduction.
Environmental performance reporting.
Support of sustainability and biodiversity objectives., The Senior Environmental Advisor will demonstrate visible leadership, integrity, collaboration and accountability whilst supporting the organisation's commitment to Zero Harm, environmental stewardship and sustainable infrastructure delivery.

Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in:
Environmental Management
Environmental Science
Sustainability
Ecology
Geography or related discipline.
IEMA Associate (AIEMA) or Practitioner (PIEMA).
Full UK Driving Licence., PIEMA or MIEMA.
ISO 14001 Internal or Lead Auditor qualification.
Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) (or working towards).
NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate.
Biodiversity Net Gain training.
Carbon Management qualification., Experience working within infrastructure, utilities, power, telecommunications, civil engineering or construction sectors.
Experience providing environmental advice on operational projects.
Knowledge of environmental legislation and compliance requirements.
Experience undertaking environmental audits and inspections.
Experience preparing environmental management documentation.
Experience investigating environmental incidents and non-conformances., Power Transmission and Distribution experience.
National Grid, DNO or utility framework experience.
Telecommunications infrastructure experience.
Ecological and biodiversity management experience.
Sustainability and ESG reporting experience.
ISO 14001 management system experience., Strong understanding of UK environmental legislation.
Environmental auditing and assurance.
Environmental risk assessment.
Pollution prevention and waste management.
Sustainability and carbon reduction principles.
Environmental incident investigation.

Leadership

Influencing and coaching skills.
Ability to challenge unsafe or environmentally poor practices.
Mentoring and development of junior team members.
Stakeholder management.

Personal

Excellent communication skills.
Strong organisational skills.
Attention to detail.
Analytical and problem-solving capability.
Ability to manage multiple priorities.
Self-motivated and proactive approach.

United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors.

Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face.

Our company is split into two business areas:

Utility Infrastructure -

Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK's largest network owners and operators.

Social Infrastructure -

Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance.

Equal Opportunities Statement - At United Infrastructure, we are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If there is anything we can do to support you, remove barriers, or make the process more accessible, please let us know - we want this to be the best possible experience for you., Join us at United Infrastructure and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.