Future Nature Wildlife Trust Consultancy:  Ecologist

Location: Hybrid working, flexibility to work from home and any of our offices

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 per week

The role of Ecologist is to undertake ecological surveys and produce technical reports.  The Ecologist will work across a variety of projects, using field survey and identification skills to assess the baseline value of a site, to determine the need for further protected species surveys and to identify opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.  This role will organise, coordinate and deliver a range of habitat and species surveys, both independently and as part of a team, and use technical knowledge to analyse and interpret the results of those surveys and determine any constraints or opportunities. They will use the evidence gleaned to develop and design suitable mitigation and enhancement strategies, with the support of more senior colleagues.  

The role will also include desk-based working, including background data records research to inform site assessments, production of fee proposals, compiling tenders, and technical report writing to a consistently high standard.  Biodiversity Net Gain will feature in projects, and the Ecologist will use their understanding of the relevant habitat condition guidance and DEFRA metric calculators, to deliver compliant assessments.  Their work will support Future Nature’s goal to see nature designed within development sites wherever possible, and as the gold standard for off-site off-setting such as BBOWT’s Habitat Banking model.  

Reports directly to the Principal Ecologist.

This post has no line reports at the time of joining Future Nature, however future management of staff and contractors will be a development objective for the role.

 Responsible for monitoring time and material costs when managing projects.

Skills and experience 

·       At least one year's experience in Ecological consultancy.

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

·       Evidence of a variety of practical field survey work, including at least two of the following:  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 for protected species.

·       Experience of Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments using the DEFRA Metrics.

·       Ideally hold, or be working towards, at least one protected species license.

·       Working knowledge of current UK wildlife legislation.

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

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

·       Project management experience, self-sufficient, with a pragmatic approach to finding solutions to challenging situations.

·       Organised self-starter with ability to manage own workload and deadlines with minimum supervision.

·       Excellent organisational and administrative skills.

·       Well-developed IT skills with a working knowledge and understanding of MS Office and experience with GIS.

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

·       Membership of CIEEM and valid CSCS card are desirable.

·       Full UK driving license, car, and able to travel.

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