Conservation Ecologist

Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for an individual to play a lead role in developing and delivering a high-quality ecological service across our countryside properties across Somerset to help us realise our nature recovery visions. This wide-ranging role will be integral in helping us meet our ambition to enrich landscapes for nature and people.

What it’s like to work here

Day to day you will be working alongside a broader team of countryside and project staff playing a role in delivering our nature vision across our Somerset Coast & Countryside portfolio.

This large, diverse land holding encompasses over 6700ha of land across Exmoor, Quantock Hills, Mendip Hills and North Somerset Coast. You will be working across 4 protected landscapes with a significant proportion of the land designated for its wildlife and historic interest, and home to locally, nationally and internationally important species and habitats.

You will be working across a variety of habitats from moorland to woodland, from coast to grassland engaging with a diverse set of stakeholders and a wide range of wildlife.

This role will be key in contributing towards the National Trust’s ambitious targets for nature; maintaining and enhancing existing species-rich habitat and creating new habitat.

What you’ll be doing

You will lead on the planning and delivery of nature conservation monitoring, survey and recording across the portfolio to help deliver our ambitions for land and nature in line with the National Trusts nature monitoring framework. Inputting ecological advice to site management planning, species recovery and re-introduction initiatives and seeking opportunities to promote our ecological work. You will produce high quality information on the condition and status of species and habitats across the property.

You will seek opportunities to build and maintain strong professional relationships with a range of stakeholders including colleagues, partners and tenants. Whilst building a network of volunteers, consultants and external groups to support your work.

You’ll be the ‘go to’ person for support and expert advice on ecological issues. Working in a way that ensures you and your team are compliant with relevant legislation and National Trust procedures.

You’ll also be responsible for identifying opportunities to promote ecology and nature conservation to a wide range of audiences. 

Who we’re looking for

• A good understanding of ecology and land management with either a degree in ecology or other natural sciences or a number of years’ experience working in the countryside in an area related to ecology or nature conservation.
• Experience of providing evidence-based advice and sharing best practice on habitat management and creation for nature conservation, including protected species and sites.
• Good identification skills for British plant and animal communities and experience of standard survey and monitoring techniques, including UKHab.
• Experience of a range of survey and monitoring techniques. The ability to translate survey and monitoring data into effective land management guidance and plans.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and grant schemes across England
• Ability to build effective internal and external relationships with staff and volunteers.
• Good IT skills including GIS and databases. Analytical ability.
• Good written and verbal communication skills including the ability to write concise and coherent reports for project management, and also for marcomms works, social media etc.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme 
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

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