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Environmental & Sustainability Advisor

Ferrovial Construction • United Kingdom • Added on Jul 27, 2026
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This role acts as the operational heartbeat of environmental stewardship for major infrastructure works, specifically based at Heathrow Airport. You will operate between the site and the office, ensuring that every engineering activity aligns with strict environmental standards. Your day-to-day involves translating complex legal requirements into practical site controls, managing waste and water documentation, and conducting assurance visits to keep projects on track.

The position is critical because large-scale construction has a massive physical footprint, and Ferrovial is committed to minimizing this impact through the Dow Jones Sustainability Index standards. By embedding best practices into the supply chain and site operations, you directly contribute to reducing the carbon and biodiversity impact of UK transportation hubs. Your work ensures that innovation in building does not come at the expense of the local ecosystem.

This suits someone who is a proactive problem-solver comfortable in a fast-paced site environment. You should have a degree in an environmental discipline and the resilience to influence diverse teams from subcontractors to senior management.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core of this role involves overseeing environmental compliance across large-scale construction sites. You will be responsible for preparing and reviewing critical documentation such as Environmental Management Plans and Site Waste Management Plans, ensuring that project delivery adheres to both Ferrovial’s standards and client requirements. Beyond documentation, you will lead site assurance visits to identify risks and promote good practice. You will also develop environmental dashboards and reports for senior management, maintaining a transparent view of sustainability performance throughout the project lifecycle.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This position offers deep exposure to the practical application of UK environmental legislation within a high-stakes construction setting. You will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard reporting tools like SmartWaste and One Click LCA, which are essential for carbon and waste tracking in modern infrastructure. Additionally, you may receive mentorship from senior Environmental Managers and gain exposure to complex stakeholder management involving major clients like Heathrow. The role is designed to help professionals work toward formal certifications, such as IEMA membership, by providing the necessary practical experience.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The successful candidate should hold a degree or Master’s in an environmental or engineering discipline and possess a proactive, inquisitive mindset. You need to be comfortable working on active construction sites, which requires resilience and the ability to communicate technical requirements to non-specialist teams. Experience with CSCS cards and knowledge of environmental site controls are highly valued. Ferrovial looks for individuals who can demonstrate analytical thinking and a collaborative approach, ensuring sustainability goals are met without compromising project deadlines.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond just listing your qualifications and show commercial awareness regarding how environmental risks impact construction timelines and costs. Tailor your application by highlighting specific experience with UK-specific regulations or site-based environmental challenges you have previously navigated. Demonstrating familiarity with Ferrovial’s global sustainability commitments, such as their inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, will show that you align with their corporate mission. Being clear about your desire to obtain or progress within IEMA will also highlight your long-term commitment to the field.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on operational sustainability, specifically resource efficiency and waste management within the construction process. You will be tasked with monitoring dewatering procedures and site waste, which are crucial for minimizing the environmental footprint of airport infrastructure. You will also be a key driver of supply chain engagement, ensuring that subcontractors and partners adhere to the same rigorous environmental standards as the lead contractor. This role bridges the gap between high-level ESG strategy and the physical reality of civil engineering.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

A primary challenge will be influencing site behaviors in a fast-paced environment where construction targets are often under pressure. You will need to balance strict environmental compliance with the logistical demands of a major airport expansion or maintenance project. Navigating complex stakeholder interests, including stringent client requirements and varied subcontractor capabilities, requires high emotional intelligence. You may also face the technical challenge of managing environmental incidents or unexpected site conditions that require immediate, practical solutions.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day involves a mix of field assurance and office-based reporting. You might start your morning on-site at Heathrow, conducting a walk-around to check silt controls or waste segregation, followed by a toolbox talk to brief workers on specific environmental risks. The afternoon could be spent in collaboration meetings with project engineers to review dewatering plans or updating digital dashboards with the latest performance data. The role is dynamic, requiring you to pivot between providing technical advice on-site and presenting data-driven updates to the management team.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Ferrovial provides a structured path for professional development, with opportunities to move into senior Environmental Manager roles or transition into global ESG strategy positions. Given their international presence, there is potential for cross-business unit mobility across airports, energy, and highways. Being involved in high-profile infrastructure projects provides a significant boost to your professional profile. The company actively supports employees in gaining professional memberships and certifications, ensuring that your technical social and technical expertise grows alongside your tenure.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with site teams and subcontractors to ensure on-the-ground compliance. Communication with the Project Environmental Manager is constant, as you will be their 'eyes and ears' on the site. External interactions will include clients like Heathrow Airport and various environmental regulators. Internally, you will also engage with designers and senior project managers to ensure that sustainability is embedded in the project’s design and execution phases.

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