Portsmouth Water has embarked on a GBP123m project to build a reservoir at Havant Thicket. This environmentally led project will safeguard future water supplies and provide a place of natural beauty for the community to enjoy. The reservoir will provide wetland habitats, paths for walking, cycling, running and horse-riding, and a visitors' centre providing a caf?? and educational resources for schools. The project will be mainly delivered through a main reservoir contract and two pipeline contracts, with some additional related contracts for both onsite and offsite biodiversity mitigation & compensation project. The environment is at the heart of the reservoir project, with mitigation and compensation plans which include the creation of over 200 hectares of new and improved woodland and wood pasture. Environmental mitigation works started in 2019, with the creation of wildlife corridors and the planting of 6,000 trees. I am looking for an Ecologist who has knowledge and experience of the legislative framework for Ecology. The successful candidate must be able to support with taking these plans forward, to support further development of our environmental management plans, engage with stakeholders and ensure the best possible outcomes from an environmental perspective. Ecology Coordinate the organisation and implementation of protected species and habitat surveys on Havant Thicket; this will include liaising with Portsmouth Water staff, conducting or assisting with surveys, and inputting survey data. Coordinate the delivery of specific ecological survey/monitoring programmes (e.g. butterfly transects). Provide technical advice and support on habitat and species including their management. Support develop and manage environmental input into reports, presentations and briefings, to input into informed decisions and update stakeholders.To meet the high demands of this role, we are looking for a person who has the following: Skills Good working knowledge of environmental and ecological legislation policy and best practice required to meet protected species surveys and mitigation and S106 planning conditions. Strong communication skills with the ability to build excellent relationships with the team and stakeholders Proven project management capability Experience of managing teams and professional service consultants Good analytical skills, with the ability to review and write environmental management plans, progress reports and decision support papers Excel/PowerPoint/Word/Teams Competency in mapping/GISQualifications and Experience Bachelor's degree in in ecology or related subject, or substantial experience in the field (essential) Holds or working towards a protected species survey licence (e.g., Hazel Dormice or Bats) (desirable) Knowledgeable with regards to wildlife legislation, in particular protected species and habitats (essential) Experience of monitoring, evaluating and reporting on biodiversity projects (essential) Experience of undertaking ecological surveys (desirable) Knowledge and experience of landscape scale conservation (desirable). Practical application of environmental assessment and management on major infrastructure projects or within a large organisation (desirable) Full driving licence (all applicants will be required to undertake our driver assessment)