Science jobs in South West Region

In short: Flexible role for an experienced environmental professional delivering environmental management, permitting & compliance, and technical advisory services to UK clients. Working independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams, you'll help clients solve complex environmental challenges. Full-time or part-time, with genuine hybrid working (offices in Wiveliscombe (nr Taunton) and Exeter) and a strong emphasis on flexibility, professional trust and high-quality technical work.

About Aardvark EM Ltd

Aardvark EM is an independent environmental and energy consultancy with a 30-year track record of delivering practical, commercially grounded solutions across the renewable energy, waste, water, and carbon sectors.

We specialise in helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments - particularly where projects fall outside “textbook” solutions. Clients value our honesty, technical depth, and ability to think differently.

Environmental consulting sits at the heart of our business. As part of our growth plans, we are expanding our Energy & Environment division, and this role will play a key part in that journey.

About the role

You'll take ownership of a varied portfolio of environmental management, permitting & compliance, and technical advisory projects across the UK. Projects may range from environmental permit applications and compliance reviews through to broader environmental management and advisory assignments.

Depending on the nature of the assignment, you'll work independently as a trusted advisor or collaborate within multidisciplinary project teams. You'll be trusted to manage client relationships, apply your professional judgement, and develop practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.

You'll join a supportive, low-ego team where your experience and judgement will help shape project outcomes, client solutions, and the growth of our Energy & Environment division.

What you’ll do

• Lead and deliver environmental management, permitting & compliance, and technical advisory projects
• Provide practical, commercially-focused, technically sound advice
• Act as a key interface with clients and regulators (EA, NRW, SEPA, NIEA)
• Manage projects, budgets, and reporting
• Work both independently and as part of multidisciplinary project teams
• Support business development, including proposal preparation and client relationship management
• Support the development of junior colleagues and contribute to a culture of knowledge sharing

About you

• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Geography, or a related discipline
• Strong experience in environmental management, permitting, compliance, or environmental consultancy, gained through consultancy, industry, or regulatory experience
• Confident managing projects, engaging with clients and regulators
• Clear, professional communicator
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within project teams
• Experience across waste, water, energy, or industrial sectors is an advantage
• Professional membership (ISEP, CIWEM or similar) and chartered status, or working towards chartership, would be advantageous

If you meet most - but not all - of the criteria, we’d still encourage you to apply.

Working pattern & location

• Full‑time or part‑time (minimum 3 days per week)
• Hybrid working, with around 60% based from our HQ in Wiveliscombe (near Taunton) and/or our satellite office at Exeter Science Park
• UK‑wide travel for site visits, planned in advance

Why Aardvark?

• Senior, intellectually engaging work without corporate politics
• Diverse, technically interesting projects with real environmental impact
• Genuine flexibility that supports life outside work
• Supportive, collaborative team environment
• Opportunity to help shape the future growth of our Energy & Environment division
• Support for continued professional development and professional membership

Applying for the role

Interested? Hit apply and share your CV. Application deadline is 18 September, however we will review applications on an ongoing basis. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place during the weeks of 21 September / 28 September / 5 October dependent upon availability.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Exeter EX5 2FN