EIA Soil Consultant

RSK Group

  • Abbey Wood, South East London
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
We are looking for a motivated and inquisitive individual to join our team as an EIA Soil Consultant, supporting environmental planning work on nationally significant infrastructure projects. This role will involve contributing to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and engaging with the Development Consent Order (DCO) process, specifically focusing on the protection and sustainable management of agricultural land and soil resources. Your role will involve interpreting and applying relevant UK legislation, policy, and guidance, including IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) guidelines, to assess the effects of proposed developments and help identify opportunities for mitigation and enhancement.Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a formal process used to identify and evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed development before it is approved. It ensures that decision-makers consider environmental impacts alongside economic and social factors. Your role will involve contributing to EIA documents, particularly in assessing how developments might affect agricultural land, soil health, and sustainable land use.A Development Consent Order (DCO) is the planning consent required for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) under the Planning Act 2008. This streamlined process combines planning permission and a range of other consents into a single approval mechanism. You will contribute to DCO applications by supplying environmental information and specialist input related to soils and agriculture.You will provide specialist advice to inform project design, aiming to reduce soil degradation and the loss of productive agricultural land. This will include helping identify sensitive soil types, advising on best practices for soil management, and supporting strategies to minimise long-term impacts on land use.Key Responsibilities
  • Support the preparation and delivery of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), focusing on agriculture and soil topics.
  • Work closely with planners, engineers, and other environmental specialists to provide advice on land use and soil protection during the design, construction, operation and decommissioning phases.
  • Contribute to Development Consent Order (DCO) applications, a key part of the planning process for major infrastructure projects in the UK.
  • Undertake baseline surveys, desk-based research, impact assessments, and contribute to environmental statements.
  • Help develop and implement practical mitigation measures to reduce the impact on soils and agricultural productivity.
  • Produce clear, well-structured, and technically robust environmental reports and supporting documentation.
  • Learn and apply national and local policies relevant to soil conservation and agricultural land classification (ALC).
  • Assist with field surveys (e.g. soil surveys and other environmental and agricultural surveys).
Attributes Required
  • A degree in environmental science, geography, agriculture, soil science, or a related field.
  • No prior experience required; however, familiarity with environmental planning, soils, or land use assessment is desirable.
  • Strong report writing and communication skills.
  • Keen interest in environmental protection, land management, and infrastructure development.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-paced, multidisciplinary project environment.
  • Ability to understand and communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner in English.
  • Good computer literate with the ability to use Microsoft office programs including Sharepoint, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Be able to work outside in all weather conditions on rough terrain.
  • Willingness and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Full driving licence and own transport.
  • Ability to develop skills with a view of registration with a professional body if not already e.g British Society Soil Science.
Other Desirable AttributesKnowledge of the following points would be beneficial:
  • Previous experience with Environmental Impact Assessments
  • Understand the IEMA guidelines
  • Experience in multi-disciplinary working and broad environmental sector experience
  • An understanding of UK legislation and guidelines relevant to planning and construction.
  • An awareness of current challenges facing farmers and land managers in terms of environmental, policy and financial issues
  • Have experience of soil surveying and knowledge of Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)
Car and expenses
  • When required to work at locations which require you to stay away from home the company will pay subsistence and accommodation rates within normal company policies.
  • Mileage rate of 45p per mile for the use of own vehicle, subject to having the necessary business insurance cover.
Salary and benefits:
  • Negotiable depending on experience
  • Contributory Pension Scheme
  • Life assurance
  • We encourage Continuing Professional Development
  • A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays, health cash plan and discounted gym membership
RSK Group is an Equal Opportunities EmployerMore detailed job description attached.#Agriculture #EnvironmentalScience #ConsultancyRSK will not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies other than RSK PSL or Secondary agenciesADAS is the UK’s largest independent environmental and agricultural consultancy. Our goal as a company is two-fold: secure British food and enhance the environment. Established over 75 years ago and part of RSK Group since 2016, we offer high-quality, research-based tailored solutions for a wide-ranging client base. From working with small and medium-sized landowners to helping shape government policy with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), we are adept at collecting and analysing data and creating bespoke strategies to achieve the best outcome for our client’s unique needs. We are a trusted brand when it comes to managing the countryside: we do more than simply tick checkboxes; we will formulate a strategy that benefits the landowner and nature – our approach is fluid and changes according to requirements.As well as agricultural research and consultancy, ADAS provides ecology, arboriculture, archaeology, planning, and landscape services to a growing base of clients working across multiple sectors. Our technical specialists have supported both local and nationally significant utility, transport, infrastructure, government and development projects. Some of our client relationships span over 40 years. We evolve and innovate with our clients, thereby ensuring that we provide a practical, reliable, and responsive service.ADAS 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.At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. We're committed to preserving RSK's people-first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.By providing workplace adjustments, we make it easier for people to confidently explore and pursue our career opportunities and recognise that flexibility is key to fostering a dynamic and thriving workplace. Many of our office-based positions benefit from a flexible working arrangement, allowing our team members to achieve a balance between professional and personal commitments.We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities.If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?

RSK Group