Chargé d'études - missions environnement

The core mission is to embed ecological considerations into the management and development of Pas-de-Calais habitat's vast real estate portfolio. You will lead cross-functional environmental projects, from tree diagnostics and ecological impact studies to recommending adjustments in development plans. A significant part of the role involves advising operational teams on how to meet environmental requirements in procurement and works contracts. You will also be responsible for building knowledge of the green heritage, mapping trees and green spaces, and using that data to inform the strategic vegetation plan. Another key responsibility is raising awareness among colleagues, tenants, and external partners about biodiversity and environmental preservation. Finally, you will keep the organisation ahead of regulatory and scientific developments, proposing innovative solutions that align with the landlord's sustainability goals.

You will deepen your expertise in urban ecology and biodiversity management within a large-scale property context. Expect to gain hands-on experience in environmental diagnostics, such as tree assessments and ecological surveys, and learn how to translate those findings into actionable plans. You will also develop skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and change management, as you navigate a complex organisation. The role offers exposure to public procurement processes and how to embed environmental criteria into contracts. You may have opportunities to attend specialised training on topics like green space management or environmental law. Working alongside experienced colleagues in asset management and development will broaden your understanding of how sustainability integrates with social housing strategy.

The ideal candidate holds a master's degree (Bac+5) in environmental science, ecology, biodiversity, environment planning, or a related field. You have some professional experience, likely 2 to 5 years, in environmental project management, preferably in real estate, construction, or public sector contexts. You are comfortable conducting field studies and analysing ecological data. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you will need to advise, persuade, and train diverse audiences. You should be rigorous, autonomous, and able to turn analysis into practical recommendations. A valid driving licence is required due to travel across the department. Fluency in French is mandatory. A passion for biodiversity and sustainable development is a must.

To stand out, tailor your application to highlight your experience in biodiversity and green space management, especially in built environments. Demonstrate familiarity with French environmental regulations and how they apply to social housing. In your cover letter, show that you understand the specific challenges of a large landlord like Pas-de-Calais habitat, balancing ecological goals with budget and operational realities. Provide concrete examples of projects where you successfully influenced stakeholders or integrated environmental criteria into plans. During interviews, emphasise your ability to work transversally and your passion for making a difference in tenants' living environments. The recruitment process includes multiple stages, so prepare to discuss how you would handle a tree diagnostic or persuade a reluctant team. Finally, express genuine interest in the company's social mission, as cultural fit with its values of responsibility and solidarity is likely important.

This role is squarely focused on environmental sustainability, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity and green asset management. You will contribute to the company's Plan stratégique végétal, which aims to improve the ecological value of outdoor spaces across the housing stock. Expect to work on projects such as tree planting, habitat creation, and the use of nature-based solutions for stormwater management. Social sustainability is also present, as the improvements directly affect tenants' quality of life. On the governance side, you will help ensure compliance with French environmental regulations and potentially support reporting on green performance indicators. The position does not typically cover carbon accounting or energy efficiency, which are handled by other teams, but your work complements those efforts by making the portfolio more resilient to climate change.

One challenge is the sheer scale of the portfolio (40,000 homes across 216 municipalities) which means competing priorities and limited resources for environmental projects. You will need to prioritise and make a case for biodiversity investments that may not show immediate financial returns. Another challenge is convincing operational teams and contractors to adopt new practices, especially when environmental considerations seem to slow down or complicate works. Regulatory changes can also be demanding, requiring continuous learning. Additionally, the role involves balancing ecological ideals with the practical constraints of social housing, such as budget limitations and tenant needs. You may face resistance from those who see greenery as a cost rather than an asset, so your ability to demonstrate tangible benefits will be essential.

A typical day might start with a field visit to a housing estate to assess tree health or survey green spaces. Back at the office, you could analyse data and draft recommendations for an upcoming renovation project. After lunch, you might join a meeting with operational teams to integrate environmental clauses into a tender, or catch up with a colleague from the tenant engagement team on a biodiversity awareness initiative. The role is a blend of fieldwork, desk analysis, and internal consulting, so no two days are exactly alike. You will also spend time on regulatory watch, reading up on new environmental laws or scientific findings that could affect the landlord's strategy. Regular travel across the Pas-de-Calais department is part of the job.

This role offers several paths for growth. As you master the technical and relational aspects, you could take on larger strategic projects or lead a team of environmental specialists. The experience gained in a large public housing organisation is transferable to other real estate firms, local authorities, or environmental consultancies. You might also specialise further in areas like urban ecology, climate adaptation, or sustainable procurement. The company's commitment to biodiversity could lead to opportunities to represent it in regional or national networks, raising your professional profile. Additionally, success in this role may open doors to broader CSR or sustainability management positions, given the growing importance of ESG in the housing sector.

You will interact daily with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Internally, you will work closely with operational teams responsible for maintenance and development, providing them with environmental expertise and practical guidance. You will also collaborate with the asset management and procurement departments to integrate environmental criteria into contracts. The director of patrimony and project owners will be key contacts for strategic decisions. Externally, you will engage with local authorities, ecological experts, landscape architects, and community groups involved in biodiversity initiatives. Tenants and their representatives may also be part of awareness activities. The role requires strong relationship-building skills, as you will often need to influence without direct authority.