SZC Site Ecologist - Sizewell C, Suffolk

SZC is ultimately owned by two shareholders, EDF and HMG. The shareholders hold their investment in SZC through NNB Holdings Company (SZC) Limited. Over the course of the current shareholding arrangements the shareholdings of the two shareholders will change.

The shareholders will fund SZC up until Financial Close through equity in line with the approved schedule and budget. SZC’s business is to design, finance, construct, commission, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure (including activities relating to hydrogen, direct air capture and/or desalination) at Sizewell C in Suffolk. The principal objectives of the current development phase of the SZC project are to agree and implement the Capital Raise Plan, including completing an equity and debt raise, agree the core supply chain contracts and obtain the regulatory permits and licences required for the construction phase of the Project (including the core environmental permits and nuclear site licence).

Prior to the government investment decision SZC operated as part of EDF in the Nuclear Development business unit and was staffed by EDF colleagues and independent contractors who are now in the process of transferring to the direct employment of SZC. It is setting itself up as an organisation capable of delivering a new nuclear power plant, from investment case and funding, to construction, commissioning, operations, maintenance and decommissioning.

The SZC construction programme has a technical and commercial business case predicated on technical replication of Hinkley Point C. EDF will be an important supplier of nuclear capability for the SZC Programme from its established nuclear business footprint in the UK.

Key stakeholders are: UK Government, relevant Government departments and agencies including Treasury BEIS, EDF, Financial investors and institutions, Regulators, Alliance partners and local communities.

• Provide pragmatic support and advice to contract and operational teams on site with delivering ecological requirements to programme, budget and quality standard. This includes on-site surveys, inspections and watching briefs, providing practical advice on programme and on-site measures required from the works information, and providing practical advice on legal requirements and company standards.
• Problem-solve, finding practical cost-effective solutions to ecological challenges facing construction teams.
• Liaise with design teams, clients and stakeholders.
• Provide ecological consultancy services to external and internal clients including surveys, mitigation and enhancement design, and on-site support.
• Provide technical support for Biodiversity Net Gain initiatives.

Actively help deliver a culture of continual improvement of on-site ecological practice that is solution-orientated to support construction teams.

Reporting to the Balfour Beatty Head of Sustainability: Natural Environment and project leads, the Site Ecologist perform the following key activities:

• Provide pragmatic advice and site support to operational teams on ecological requirements.
• Develop and support implementation of ecological management plans.
• Build relationships with regulators, clients and design teams, and internal teams.
• Support site compliance with ecological legislation and coach construction teams in applying controls and mitigations in pragmatic, cost-effective ways.
• Ensure the company environmental management system is maintained in line with changing standards and legislation and liaise with senior team lead on changes required.
• Investigate and report ecological incidents.

Undertake habitat suitability assessments and protected species surveys.

• Excellent understanding of ecological legislation for development.
• Good level of commercial awareness.
• Full UK driver’s licence and flexibility to travel.
• Good understanding of environmental management for construction sites.
• Excellent understanding of the utilities/construction/engineering operating environment.
• Literate in MS Office – Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• CIEEM Membership.
• Experience of working on large scale infrastructure construction projects.

The following qualities/experience are desirable:

• At least one protected species survey licence.

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Why join us?

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

• Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata).
• Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave.
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more.

Balfour Beatty’s Major Projects business is delivering some of the UK’s most complex and iconic infrastructure projects including HS2, the new high-speed railway and the first nuclear power station in a generation, Hinkley Point C. Using the latest technology, we’re driving productivity and creating a lasting legacy by delivering sustainable solutions that strengthen communities.

From consultancy and design, to all aspects of construction and maintenance. We have the proven expertise to deliver large-scale projects safely and successfully.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion.

We are a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/.

We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at: candidaterecruitmentqueries@balfourbeatty.com.