Water conservation officer

Water conservation officer: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Their expertise is called upon to assess the environmental impact on wildlife of proposed building, drainage and flood defence work. Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• visiting and monitoring sites
• providing advice about how to protect habitats
• setting up field surveys
• undertaking wildlife observation and species surveys
• liaising and negotiating with clients, regulatory authorities, wildlife groups and other professionals such as engineers, planners and surveyors
• promoting environmental conservation via awareness events such as talks, workshops and guided walks
• helping with volunteer activities and conservation projects
• advising about possible solutions
• keeping up to date with changes in legislation/EU directives.

Typical employers of water conservation officers

• regulatory bodies
• The Environment Agency
• the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• local authority environmental health departments
• English Nature
• Scottish Natural Heritage
• environmental and conservation organizations
• The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts

Other employers include research establishments, consultancies and water utility companies.

Opportunities are advertised in publications such as New Scientist, Opportunities and The Environment Post. Many jobs receive little advertising so networking, job shadowing and speculative applications are advisable. Directories such as ENDS Environmental Consultancy Directory and Who’s Who in the Water Industry may be useful for contact information for speculative applications.

Qualifications and training required

Relevant work experience and an appropriate degree or HND in a subject like biology, geography, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology or environmental sciences is essential. Postgraduate qualifications can also be useful - particularly for graduates without relevant first degrees.

Key skills for water conservation officers

• computer literacy
• analytical skills
• problem solving skills
• communication
• interpersonal skills
• persistence
• commitment

Employers prefer candidates who can demonstrate a genuine knowledge of and interest in wetlands, wildlife and/or conservation. Most positions also require a full driving licence.