Environmental Clerk of Works for the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO)

RSK Group

  • Abingdon, Oxfordshire
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 7 days ago
The South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) is a landmark 150 million cubic metre reservoir near Abingdon. This project not only aims to secure vital water resources but also aspires to enhance biodiversity through new habitat creation and deliver new leisure and recreational amenities. Learn more about SESRO here: .Binnies is proud to be working in joint venture with Arup as the delivery partner for SESRO, supporting Thames Water in securing a Development Consent Order (DCO) for this nationally significant infrastructure project. Together, we are responsible for all design, consenting, and environmental services for the integrated scheme.Our Ecological Clerk of Works are currently supporting ongoing investigation works required to inform the design and DCO submission in late 2026. The need for ecological supervision is however increasing as the project evolves and we are looking to expand our team of dedicated Ecological Clerk of Works to play a key role in ensuring ecological compliance and best practice on site.While SESRO will be your primary focus, you’ll also become a valued member of our national ecology and environmental team, with opportunities to contribute to other major infrastructure projects in the future. You can also join our active Ecological and Environmental Clerk of Works Communities of Practice.If not already a full /chartered member of CIEEM we can provide mentoring. You will also benefit from technical, and H&S training and paid membership of two professional institutions.Binnies is a registered Ecological (CIEEM) and Landscape Practice (Landscape Institute) and holds the IEMA (now ISEP) EIA Quality Mark. We also sponsor AECOW reflecting our commitment to promoting site based environmental roles.About the RoleOur Ecological Clerk of Works ensure that construction activities are carried out in accordance with environmental legislation, permits and mitigation strategies. You’ll work closely with contractors, ecological leads and survey co-ordinators to safeguard habitats and species, while supporting the programme of site works.Your key responsibilities will be:
  • Monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with ecological requirements and mitigation measures.
  • Provide on-site ecological advice and guidance to contractors.
  • Conduct ecological monitoring, pre-commencement surveys, and watching briefs.
  • Liaise with investigation and engineering leads on their programmes and to ensure the appropriate ecological supervision.
  • Maintain accurate site records and digital recording of incidental ecological constraints.
  • Deliver toolbox talks and ecological awareness training to site personnel.
  • Support the wider SESRO ecological surveys as required.
If you would like to discuss the role in advance of making a formal application, please contact our Environmental Services leader Emma Stevens at or through LinkedIn.Essential RequirementsCandidates should demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:
  • Degree in an environmental related discipline
  • Membership of CIEEM and/or AECOW
  • Minimum of 3 years’ ecological survey experience
  • Proven experience as an ecological clerk of works
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Experience in GIS and digital collection tools
  • Exemplar health & safety awareness and behaviours
  • Full UK driving licence
Candidates must be based within a commutable distance of the SESRO site near Abingdon.This is a site-based role with some flexibility in working hours required depending on activity. We aim to keep this to a minimum and support a healthy work-life balance.Desirable RequirementsEcological survey specialisms or licences are beneficial but not essential. Experience in ornithological surveys is particularly valued, given the site’s importance for nesting and wintering birds.Why join usWould you like to work in a business where you feel empowered to grow? Where there is no place for criticism or discrimination? A place where people are mindful and respectful? If so, then Binnies is the place for you.We have a strong ‘ENGAGED’ culture that runs through everything we do. Evolved over 100 years, we have a culture of caring, where our employee’s wellbeing and work-life balance are priorities, in fact we have industry leading flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We pride ourselves on providing an inclusive working environment, where a diverse workforce is supported to grow and develop.
The successful applicant will go from being great alone to truly amazing with Binnies.We develop intelligent solutions using our award-winning integrated planning and design approach to deliver functional infrastructure and lasting environmental and social legacies. This is backed by a culture that has stayed true since our foundation over 100 years ago. We create new possibilities for humanity through our innovative approach to delivery.Together with our clients, we are always striving to find a smarter way to deliver projects. From providing low carbon, sustainable and resilient water solutions, flood alleviation and environment services, to connecting people with insights and data. Our business exists to improve the quality of life for our local communities today and for generations to come.Binnies is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then. In fact, Environment Analyst recently highlighted RSK’s growth commenting, “Few companies in the environmental services sector can claim to be expanding at the same pace as RSK.”RSK operates as a group of synergistic businesses with a growth strategy centred on diversification to build a resilient business that can withstand external pressures while also bringing more value to clients and opportunities to employees.

RSK Group