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Environment and Sustainability Coordinator

Kier Group United Kingdom Added on Jul 6, 2026
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As the primary environmental liaison for the HMP Glasgow project, you will take ownership of the day-to-day ecological safeguards on a major live construction site. Your work involves translating complex environmental management plans into actionable site controls, ensuring every truck and tool operates within strict legal and project-specific limits. You will be the visible representative for resource efficiency, actively managing data for waste and carbon while preventing pollution in real-time.

This role is critical because large-scale infrastructure projects like HMP Glasgow have significant environmental footprints that require constant, vigilant oversight to mitigate. By championing biodiversity protection and carbon reduction directly on the ground, you bridge the gap between corporate sustainability goals and practical site reality. Your efforts ensure the project leaves a positive legacy for the local community and the Scottish environment rather than just a physical structure.

This suits someone who is a recent environmental graduate or early-career professional with a sharp eye for data and the confidence to influence site teams. You should be equally comfortable analyzing Excel spreadsheets and walking a busy construction site to identify potential risks.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to ensure the HMP Glasgow project adheres to the Project Environmental Management Plan. This involves identifying and managing on-site environmental risks such as noise, dust, and water pollution while maintaining rigorous documentation. You will be responsible for the accuracy of sustainability data, including waste records and carbon metrics. By performing regular site inspections and audits, you ensure that both internal teams and the wider supply chain meet legal and client-mandated environmental standards.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain hands-on experience in large-scale infrastructure sustainability, learning how to apply theoretical environmental principles to a complex, high-security construction site. This provides deep exposure to modern waste management and carbon accounting techniques used in the industry. There is a significant opportunity to develop expertise in environmental compliance frameworks and industry-standard reporting tools. Mentorship from senior environmental managers within Kier will help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and operational delivery.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in an environmental or sustainability discipline and possesses a foundational understanding of construction-related impacts. Strong IT skills, particularly regarding data handling in Excel, are essential for tracking waste and carbon outputs accurately. Soft skills are just as important; you need to be a persuasive communicator capable of delivering toolbox talks to subcontractors. A proactive approach to problem-solving on-site and high attention to detail for audit trails are the hallmarks of a successful coordinator in this environment.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a practical understanding of how construction activities impact the environment. Mentioning specific experience with waste duty of care or pollution prevention measures will show you are ready for a site-based role. Tailor your application to highlight your ability to translate data into insights. As Kier values community legacy, reflecting on how this project contributes to the local Scottish environment can demonstrate alignment with their corporate purpose.

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

The role focuses heavily on operational environmental management, specifically around waste hierarchy and resource efficiency. You will be tasked with minimizing the project's carbon footprint through active monitoring and supply chain engagement. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on biodiversity protection and pollution prevention. You will ensure that the construction process does not negatively impact the surrounding ecosystem, aligning with Kier's broader commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure.

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

The most significant challenge is maintaining compliance consistency across various subcontractors and site teams who may prioritize speed over environmental protocols. Negotiating these competing interests requires resilience and tact. Operating within a live construction environment also means dealing with unpredictable site conditions. You must be prepared to respond quickly to potential environmental incidents, such as spills or unexpected noise levels, to mitigate impact immediately.

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

A typical day starts with site walkabouts to inspect environmental controls and consult with the project team. You might then transition to the office to update waste trackers or analyze energy consumption data for monthly reporting. Afternoons often involve stakeholder engagement, which could include delivering toolbox talks to workers or meeting with package managers to discuss upcoming environmental risks. The role balances active field monitoring with the administrative rigor required for legal compliance.

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

As this is a fixed-term contract on a high-profile project, it provides an excellent springboard into permanent specialist roles within Kier's extensive portfolio. Success here demonstrates your ability to manage sustainability in a complex project environment. The experience gained in environmental auditing and data management is highly transferable. This role can lead to positions such as Environmental Manager or Sustainability Consultant within the construction and infrastructure sectors.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with Site Managers and Package Managers to ensure environmental controls are integrated into construction workflows. You will also work closely with subcontractors to drive performance and monitor their compliance. Externally, you may liaise with Client Representatives and environmental regulators. Internally, you will report to the project leadership team and collaborate with Kier’s wider sustainability network to share best practices.

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