Conservation Ecologist

Future Nature Wildlife Trust Consultancy

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week (flexible in how worked)

Type of contract: Permanent

Based at: Hybrid working

Croner rank: 5

Job Purpose 

The role of Conservation Ecologist is to undertake ecological surveys and produce technical reports on survey findings and making recommendations on future land management. 

Their work will support Future Nature’s goal to create new and enhance existing habitats, and see nature designed within a variety of landholdings including (but not limited to) farms, large estates, science/business parks, public green spaces, university/college grounds, and development sites where appropriate and sustainable, and as the gold standard for off-site habitat off-setting, such as BBOWT’s Habitat Banking model.  

Reporting Line

Reports directly to the Principal Ecologist.

Line Management

This role has no line report responsibility, however future management of staff and contractors will be a development objective for the individual.

Key Responsibilities

·       Work across a variety of projects, using field survey and identification skills to assess the baseline value of a site and to identify opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.    Determine the need for further protected species surveys.

·       Organise, coordinate, and deliver a range of habitat surveys, both independently and as part of a team.

·       Use technical knowledge to analyse and interpret the results of surveys and determine any constraints or opportunities.

·       Use evidence to develop and design suitable mitigation and enhancement strategies, with the support of more senior colleagues, and make detailed recommendations for practical land management and monitoring as a contribution to projects.

·       Desk-based working, including background data records research to inform site assessments, producing fully costed fee proposals, and technical report writing to a consistently high standard. 

·       Biodiversity Net Gain will feature in projects, and the Conservation Ecologist will use the relevant habitat condition guidance and DEFRA metric calculators to deliver compliant assessments. 

·       Responsible for monitoring time and material costs when managing projects.

·       Any other duties as delegated by the Chief Executive

Person Specification

·         At least one year of experience in land management, nature conservation, ecological consultancy, or similar.

·         Knowledge of typical habitats found within Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire.

·         Proven ability to identify appropriate habitat management and/or monitoring techniques for a range of habitats and communicate them effectively to various audiences.

·         Broad knowledge of UK fauna and flora, with good botanical identification skills.

·         Experience of practical field survey work in at least one of the following: botanical surveys, protected species surveys, breeding bird surveys, preliminary ecological appraisals, habitat condition assessments.

·         Able to produce high quality, accurate and well-written technical reports, proposals and assessments.

·         Knowledge of the ecological Mitigation Hierarchy and its practical application.

·          Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments using the DEFRA Metric and UKHab.

·         Working knowledge of current UK wildlife legislation.

·         Familiar with data collection, desk-based research, and interpretation of results.

·         Good interpersonal skills, able to communicate clearly and confidently with colleagues, clients, and contractors.

·         Organised self-starter, able to work independently, manage own workload and deadlines.

·         Competent in use of MS Office functions such as Word and Outlook and Excel

·         Working knowledge of GIS applications, or a willingness to learn.

·         Flexible approach to the demands of seasonal field surveying or client-related events, that may require occasional unsociable hours of work.

·         Ability and willingness to demonstrate the BBOWT behaviours of Connect, Grow, Lead by Example, Positivity and Conscious Inclusion.

·         Current UK valid car driving licence and willingness to travel.

Measurements Of Success

·         Work plan targets met

·         Accuracy of reports and meeting of deadlines

·         Minimal supervision required