Environmental Clerk of Works

We are seeking an experienced Environmental Clerk of Works to support a major energy infrastructure project in the Scottish Highlands. This complex development involves the construction of a 400kV substation and an HVDC converter station, including significant earthworks, watercourse realignment, and habitat management.
This role is dual-faceted, requiring the successful candidate to act as both an independent monitor for the Planning Authority and the primary client-side environmental representative on-site.

Key Responsibilities
1. Independent EnvCoW (Planning Compliance)

• Compliance Monitoring: Ensure all works align with the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and specific planning conditions, including Peat Management, Habitat Management, and Species/Bird Protection Plans.

• Surveys: Lead pre-construction ecological surveys (within 3 months of commencement) and ongoing monitoring to protect local resources.

• Training: Deliver environmental briefings and training to contractors to ensure strict adherence to protection requirements.

• Reporting: Maintain a formal register of inspections and audits. Produce monthly summary reports for the Project Manager and the Planning Authority.

• Escalation: Identify and report any non-compliance incidents to the Planning Authority within 5 working days.

2. Client-Side Environmental Representative

• Site Inspections & Audits: Implement the Employer’s EMS through weekly inspections and quarterly formal audits across multiple principal contractors.

• Legislative Oversight: Monitor compliance with environmental legislation, CAR/EASR authorizations, and species licensing.

• Incident Management: Support environmental incident investigations and verify that corrective actions are implemented effectively by contractors.

• Liaison: Lead a weekly reporting call with the Consents and Environmental Manager (CEM) to discuss site progress and risks.

Project Scope & Complexity
The project features a high degree of technical and environmental complexity, including:

• Construction of large-scale platforms (over 164,000 m²) and buildings up to 26.4m in height.

• Realignment of the Achalone Tributary with naturalization measures.

• Extensive cut-and-fill earthworks, peat management, and borrow pit reinstatement.

• Management of multiple interface points between different principal contractors.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience: Proven track record in a similar EnvCoW role, specifically on large-scale infrastructure or energy projects.

• Knowledge: Deep understanding of Scottish environmental legislation, planning conditions, and construction best practices (CEMP, Peat Management, etc.).

• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage, influence, and manage multiple contracting parties.

• Independence: Ability to maintain professional independence when reporting to the Planning Authority while remaining a collaborative member of the project team.

• Technical Skills: Competence in ecological surveying, environmental auditing, and technical report writing.

Logistics

• Schedule: A specific EnvCoW schedule will be agreed upon, detailing required site presence.

• Term: The role is expected to span the duration of the development, from pre-commencement (April/May 2026) through to final commissioning.