Community Ecologist

Community Ecologist

Location: Rainton Meadows, DH4 6PU
Salary: £30,633
Term: Full time for 12 months, potential for extension subject to funding.
Closing Date: 30th July, 2026

There has never been a more important time to evidence the state of nature and for communities to champion its recovery in their local landscapes. This role will deliver survey and monitoring of habitats and species from Tees to Tyne and empower local communities to be at the heart of nature’s recovery.

Through listening, engaging and upskilling communities, volunteers and partners you will inspire people to evidence nature’s recovery on their doorstep, and encourage active involvement in citizen science to inform actions for nature.

Main responsibilities

Ecological Survey, Monitoring & Recording

• Working alongside Trust colleagues design and implement citizen science based ecological survey, monitoring and recording activities.
• Undertake ecological survey and monitoring and recording activities.
• Ensure data collected is stored and shared to agreed standards.
• Interpret data and apply evidence to the restoration and management of habitats and species.

Volunteer development and support

• Recruit and support community ecology/citizen science volunteers.
• Promote volunteer opportunities and maintain volunteer records.
• Identify opportunities for citizen science activity and support individuals and groups to participate.
• Work with colleagues to develop and deliver training programmes.

Communications

• Produce content for social media/ blogs/ articles, interpretation and signage.
• Promote citizen science opportunities and activities using a variety of media.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Pension: Minimum employee contribution 3% of salary, employer contribution 6% of qualifying salary (Employees can decide to opt out).
• Employee support package – on line GP appointments, access to helplines.
• Holidays: 25 days (for full time) plus Bank and Statutory Holidays. After two years continuous employment, entitled to one extra paid day of leave per year worked up to a maximum of five extra days per year.
• Years of service in another role at DWT, or any other member organisation of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, will count towards holiday entitlement.
• Hybrid-working arrangements, with a mix of site, office-based and working from home as set out in a rota.