Senior Environmental Consultant – EIA, Planning and International

SgurrEnergy is an international renewable energy consultancy. Over the past 18 months SgurrEnergy has been expanding its range of environmental services and we now provide services for renewable energy projects at all stages of development and operation from site selection and feasibility through EIA and planning to due diligence and construction and operation monitoring.  The key planning and environmental services that we offer our clients include:

• Site selection and feasibility
• Environmental (and social) impact assessment
• Planning including pre and post-consent services (Planning statements, submission of planning applications, discharge of planning conditions)
• Environmental and social due diligence in the UK and Internationally
• Construction and operational monitoring in the UK and Internationally

The company is seeking to recruit talented individuals to take a senior role in our expanding team, based in Glasgow.

Current Workload and Recent Project Examples

The varied nature of our client base means that SgurrEnergy’s environmental team have been involved in a wide range of projects across the world.  Our core business areas currently focus on UK EIA and post consenting services and international projects which include feasibility, ESIA, environmental due diligence and construction monitoring.  In addition to our UK EIA projects we have an ever growing portfolio of projects from post-consent through to construction and operational monitoring. Given our global reach we have project opportunities across the globe.  The following project examples give a flavour of current workload and the type of work that we will offer to suitable candidates:

·         Environmental Impact Assessment: Currently progressing 7 EIA projects in Scotland ranging from a single turbine extension to 50+ MW development.

·         UK post-consent services: post-consent and construction monitoring support for two onshore UK wind farms and one major UK Round 2 offshore wind farm. Our works involves site audits, purification of planning conditions, identification and management of sub-consultants and on-going consultation with stakeholders.

·         Detailed feasibility of four proposed wind farm sites in Malawi as part of the Malawi Wind Energy Preparation Programme (WEPP) to support Government of Malawi energy strategy.

·         Environmental and Social Due Diligence (with site visit) for projects located in the Philippines, India, China and Mongolia.

Job descriptions

To support the continued growth of the Environment Team we are seeking talented individuals with the ambition to join a newly formed team, take a lead role in the delivery of our current projects and also actively contribute to the growth of the team.  This is a unique opportunity for a candidate to use their own skills to influence the future direction of the business.  Our main workstreams are UK EIA/Planning and International environmental due diligence, although we expect some crossover between different areas and we are seeking candidates who are flexible and confident, and want to develop their skills in other areas.  We are seeking candidates for the following roles:   

Senior Consultant - EIA and Planning

Responsibilities

• Lead the successful delivery of EIA and planning services for renewable energy projects.
• Undertaking and contributing to feasibility studies and other similar tasks.
• Applying knowledge and understanding of environmental and planning legislation in England, Wales and Scotland.
• Supporting renewable projects at varying stages of development, providing appropriate input at various points.
• Reviewing environmental documentation and permits on behalf of clients. Evaluate potential issues.
• Attending client and site visits in the UK and internationally.
• Monitoring of construction activities and liaison with the local planning authority.
• Applying knowledge of European/local country environmental and planning legislation.
• Providing planning and permitting advice to support renewable energy projects generally.
• Providing business development support to contribute to the continued growth of the team.
• Other ad hoc activities as and when required.

Requirements

• Degree level educated in an appropriate planning or environmental based subject. Ideally the candidate will be educated to Master’s degree level in a relevant subject.
• A significant amount of senior level experience in planning, environmental assessment and/or environmental management is essential for this role.
• Experience in the management of the planning application process for renewable energy projects.  Candidates with experience of Public Inquiry are particularly sought after.
• Experience of EIA project management.

Senior Environmental Consultant - International

Responsibilities

• Perform environmental due diligence projects for industrial and commercial transactions.
• Provide consulting advice to industry and lenders.
• Prepare concise reports that assess potential environmental liability risks and compliance status.
• Perform environmental compliance assessments at renewable energy facilities, and implement follow-up corrective actions to ensure compliance with international lending standards.
• Provide general environmental compliance support to clients, including on site as needed
• Perform multiple projects within scope/budget/schedule expectations and ensure quality standards on project deliverables.
• Provide environmental support to SgurrEnergy’s Project Managers and other Groups within the company.
• Communicate with developers, lenders, government and other key stakeholders
• Provide business development support to contribute to the continued growth of the team.

Requirements

• Degree level educated in an appropriate scientific, environmental or planning based subject and ideally with a post graduate qualification in an environmental subject.

·         A significant amount of senior level experience in environmental consultancy is essential for this role.

• Experience of undertaking environmental and social due diligence for EPFIs.
• Detailed knowledge of the implementation of the Equator Principles, IFC Performance Standards and other relevant international standards and guidance (EBRD, ADB, ILO etc)
• The successful candidate will have experience of leading small teams of consultants on due diligence and/or construction monitoring assignments, particularly within emerging economies.
• Experience in preparation of due diligence reports, ESAP, ESMP, SEP and other associated documentation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills; experience writing comprehensive technical reports.
• Ability to multi-task, maintain flexibility, travel, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills, coupled with a flexible and proactive approach to work to thrive in this busy team.

The company is growing rapidly and offers excellent long-term career prospects.

Hours: 37 hours per week. Occasional evenings and weekends to travel to and attend meetings and undertake site visits.

Holidays: 23 days and 9 public holidays. Holiday entitlement increases over time.

Contract: Permanent after 3 month probationary period.

Training: Active encouragement of personal and professional development.

Equal opportunities: We follow an equal opportunities policy.

Salary: Dependent upon experience.

Location: Glasgow, but travel as required.